Biopan-survival I: Exposure of the osmophiles Synechococcus SP. (Nageli) and Haloarcula SP. to the space environment

doi:10.1016/S0273-1177(98)00189-6

Advances in Space Research

Volume 22, Issue 3, 1998, Pages 327-334

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0273-1177(98)00189-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the survivability of osmophilic microorganisms in space, as well as examine the DNA breakage in osmophilic cells exposed to solar UV-radiation plus vacuum and to vacuum only. The organisms used were an unidentified species of Synechococcus (Nägeli) that inhabits the evaporitic gypsum-halite crusts that form along the marine intertidal, and an unidentified species of the extremely halophilic genus Haloarcula (designated as isolate G) isolated from a evaporitic NaCl crystal. Because these organisms are desiccation resistant and gypsum-halite as well as NaCl attenuate UV-radiation, we hypothesized that these organisms would survive in the space environment, better than most others. The organisms were exposed to the space environment for 2 weeks while in earth orbit aboard the Biopan facility. Ground controls were tested in a space simulation facility. All samples were compared to unexposed samples. Survivability was determined by plate counts and the most probable number technique. DNA breakage was determined by labeling breaks in the DNA with ³²P followed by translation. Results indicate that the osmophilic microbes survived the 2 week exposure. The major cause of cell death was DNA damage. The number of strand breaks in the DNA from vacuum UV exposed cells was greater than the vacuum only exposed cells.

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Citation Excerpt :
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Biopan-survival I: Exposure of the osmophiles Synechococcus SP. (Nageli) and Haloarcula SP. to the space environment

Abstract

Adv. Space Res.

Adv. Space Res.

Adv. Space Res.

Adv. Space Biol. Med.

Adv. Space Res.

J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol

J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol.

J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol.

The photochemistry of nucleic acids

Stabilization of proteins during freezing and dehydration: Application of lessons from nature

Cryobiology

The physical properties and metabolic status of Artemia cysts at low water contents: the “water replacement hypothesis”

Roles of water molecules in bacteria and viruses

Origins of Life

Anhydrobiosis

Annu. Rev. Physiol

Prokaryotic osmoregulation: genetics and physiology

Annu. Rev. Microbiol.

DNA strand breaks limit survival in extreme dryness

Origins of Life

DNA stability and survival of Bacillus subtilis spores in extreme dryness

Origins of Life