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Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection
Published on: November 18, 2022
Space microbiology
Gerda Horneck1, David M Klaus, Rocco L Mancinelli
1Mail Stop 239-4, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Microorganisms can survive space, with lichens showing remarkable resilience. Protected from UV radiation, bacterial spores can persist for years, supporting the lithopanspermia hypothesis for interplanetary microbial transfer.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology and Space Microbiology
- Extremophile Survival and Panspermia Research
Background:
- Understanding microbial responses to spaceflight factors is crucial for astrobiology and planetary protection.
- Previous studies suggested microorganisms might thrive in space, but mechanisms and survival limits remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival and responses of various microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, spores, lichens) to space conditions.
- To investigate the role of microgravity, radiation, and vacuum on microbial viability.
- To assess the potential for interplanetary microbial transport via meteorites (lithopanspermia).
Main Methods:
- Experiments conducted in space and simulated laboratory environments.
- Exposure of diverse microorganisms to microgravity, galactic cosmic radiation, solar UV radiation, and space vacuum.
- Utilized Bacillus subtilis spores and optical filters as UV dosimeters; tested survival within artificial meteorites.
Main Results:
- Solar UV radiation was identified as the most damaging space factor; lichens demonstrated exceptional UV resistance.
- Bacillus subtilis spores, shielded from UV, survived up to 6 years, especially when embedded in clay or meteorite powder.
- Microgravity did not enhance radiation-induced DNA repair; some microbes showed enhanced growth and antibiotic resistance in space.
Conclusions:
- Microbial survival in space is highly dependent on environmental factors, particularly UV radiation shielding.
- The data strongly support the lithopanspermia hypothesis, indicating feasible interplanetary transfer of microorganisms within meteorites.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying microbial responses to spaceflight.
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