Instruments that attempt to simulate microgravity have been constructed to aid studies that measure the effects of space and microgravity on organisms. Although these devices are less expensive than conducting space flight experiments, the degree to which these simulators provide a true microgravity environment needs to be evaluated in higher plants. Roots were sectioned with an ultramicrotome and photographed with a light microscope under brightfield optics. The amyloplasts of plants grown on Earth were found to be concentrated at the distal end of columella cells in the root tip. However, amyloplasts from plants grown on the two-dimensional clinostat, on the RPM, and in space were more scattered throughout the columella cells.
Studies are in progress to quantitate the amyloplast position in the various gravity treatments.