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Detection of biosphere frontier by using phosphatase activity
Kensei Kobayashi1, Yuki Ito, Arimichi Moroi
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Yokohama National University.
Uchu Seibutsu Kagaku
|April 29, 2005
Summary
Phosphatase activity, essential for life, can detect microbial life in diverse environments. This study shows its potential as a universal biomarker for extant life, even in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology and Geomicrobiology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Detecting microbial life often relies on methods limited to specific terrestrial organisms.
- Phosphatase activity is a crucial catalytic function conserved across terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial life forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phosphatase activity as a potential universal biomarker for extant life.
- To assess the presence and significance of phosphatase activity in deep-sea hydrothermal environments.
Main Methods:
- Collected core, chimney, and seawater samples from submarine hydrothermal systems (Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, South Mariana).
- Quantified phosphatase activity in collected samples.
Main Results:
- Phosphatase activity was detected in samples from various deep-sea hydrothermal locations.
- The findings indicate a correlation between phosphatase activity and the presence of microbial life.
Conclusions:
- Phosphatase activity serves as a reliable indicator for detecting microbial life.
- This enzymatic activity is a promising biomarker for identifying extant life, including in extreme environments.