Review of advances on growth characteristics and adapting mechanism of plant at low atmospheric pressure
低压环境中植物的生长特性及适应机理研究进展

Plants are a key biological component in the controlled ecological life support system at low atmospheric pressure. Both total pressure and partial pressure (of oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) are reduced at low atmospheric pressure. Plants can complete their life cycle (from seed to seed) at low pressure, but their course of development is different from that at normal pressure, in adapting to changed atmospheric conditions. We summarized the effects of low pressure on seed germination, morphology, leaf structure, growth characteristics, nutrient uptake, plant nutrition, gas exchange and ethylene release. In addition, we summarized signal transmission and gene express induced by low pressure and discussed the latest research advances on growth characteristics and adapting mechanisms of plants at low atmospheric pressure. We also suggested future emphases and directions of study of plants at low atmospheric pressure.