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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Visualization of DNA Repair Proteins Interaction by Immunofluorescence
Published on: June 26, 2020
DNA-strand breaks limit survival in extreme dryness
K Dose1, A Bieger-Dose, O Kerz
1Institute for Biochemistry, J. Gutenberg University, Mainz, F.R.G.
Abstract:
The inactivation of the anhydrobiotic organisms Bacillus subtilis (spores) and Deinococcus radiodurans during long-term exposure (up to several weeks) to extreme dryness (especially vacuum) is correlated with an increase in the number of DNA-strand breaks and other DNA lesions. Survival finally depends on the repair of DNA damages. Exposure of anhydrobiotic organisms to extreme dryness (e.g. on Mars or in space) for geological times will lead to so extended DNA lesions that recovery is extremely unlikely.
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