The spherical-shaped white objects are actually cartilage constructs growing on the Mir Space Station. The cartilage constructs are suspended in a liquid medium that provides nutrients for the growing cells. Cartilage tissues are contained in the bioreactor, a rotating vessel that provides gas exchange for the tissues. Cartilage, like many other tissues, grow differently in microgravity than they do on Earth, which makes microgravity an excellent environment for biologists to study cellular processes.
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Curator:
Julie Oliveaux
Responsible NASA Official: John Uri |
Page last updated: 07/16/1999
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