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Melanin, Radiation, and Energy Transduction in Fungi
Arturo Casadevall1, Radames J B Cordero1, Ruth Bryan2
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Microbiology Spectrum
|March 4, 2017
Summary
Melanin in fungi can absorb radiation and may convert it into energy, aiding survival in extreme environments like Chernobyl. This suggests fungi might harness electromagnetic radiation for biological processes, with implications for astrobiology.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biophysics
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Melanin pigments are crucial for fungal fitness and survival in diverse species.
- Melanotic fungi thrive in extreme, high-radiation environments, such as Chernobyl and Antarctica.
- These fungi exhibit radiosensitivity and can migrate towards radioactive sources, enhancing growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of melanin in harvesting and transducing electromagnetic radiation for fungal energy.
- To investigate the implications of melanin's radiation-harnessing capabilities for biological energy flow and exobiology.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of melanotic fungi in extreme environments.
- Linking existing data on melanin's radiation absorption and energy transduction properties.
- Circumstantial evidence and theoretical considerations.
Main Results:
- Melanin's known ability to absorb a wide spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
- Fungal migration towards radiation sources suggests a potential growth-enhancing mechanism.
- Hypothesized energy transduction from radiation to biological energy by melanin.
Conclusions:
- Melanin may function in harvesting electromagnetic radiation for biological use in fungi.
- This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding energy flow in the biosphere.
- The findings open new avenues for exobiology research, suggesting mechanisms for extraterrestrial survival.
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