Food made in space – 6 Minute English





The Future of Food: Growing Plants in Space

In a recent mission, Nasa sent supplies to the International Space Station, including bottles of red wine from Bordeaux. But the real goal was to explore growing food and drink in space for people on Earth. This led to advancements in plant growth using LED lights and genetic adaptations.

Today’s movie

VIEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q8geBY3vPA

Listening Quiz

Let’s test your knowledge with a quiz question: what was the first food grown in space?

Q1: What was the first food grown in space?

Q2: How do plants grow in environments with little natural light?

Q3: What is the role of plasticity in plants?

Q4: How do plants cope with microgravity in space?

Q5: What factor contributes to plants’ ability to grow in changing climates on Earth?

Vocabulary

Let’s explore some key terms related to growing plants in space:

LED
Light Emitting Diode – an electronic device that emits light when an electric current passes through it
The growth of plants in space is facilitated by LED lighting, providing the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis.

Plasticity
The ability of living organisms to adapt to changing environments by altering their biological structure
Plants display plasticity by adjusting to microgravity in space, showcasing their resilience and survival skills.

Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water
Photosynthesis is crucial for plant growth, converting light energy into chemical energy for sustenance.

Microgravity
A condition in which objects appear weightless due to the very weak gravitational forces
Plants in space experience microgravity, leading to unique growth patterns and genetic adaptations.

Genetic Adaptations
Changes in an organism’s genetic makeup to better suit its environment
Plants develop genetic adaptations in space to thrive in challenging conditions, enhancing their resilience.



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