Life Beyond Earth
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Extreme Organisms on Earth Show Us Just How Weird Life Elsewhere Could Be. by Chris Impey Astrobiology
Astrobiology Extreme organisms on Earth show us just how weird life elsewhere could be. by Chris Impey How life could thrive on hostile worlds Humans have left their mark all over Earth. We’re proud of our role as nature’s generalists — perhaps not as swift as the gazelle or as strong as the gorilla, but still pretty good at most things. Alone among all species, technology has given us dominion over the planet. Humans are endlessly plucky and adaptable; it seems we can do anything. Strain 121 Yet in truth, we’re frail. From our safe living rooms, we may admire the people who conquer Everest or cross deserts. But without technology, we couldn’t live beyond Earth’s temperate zones. We cannot survive for long in temperatures below freezing or above 104° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius). We can stay underwater only as long as we can hold our breath. Without water to drink we’d die in 3 days. Microbes, on the other hand, are hardy. And within the microbial world lies a band of extremists, organisms that thrive in conditions that would cook, crush, smother, and dissolve most other forms of life. Collectively, they are known as extremophiles, which means, literally, “lovers of extremes.” Extremophiles are found at temperatures above the boiling point and below the freezing point of water, in high salinity, and in strongly acidic conditions. Some can live deep inside rock, and others can go into a freeze-dried “wait state” for tens of thousands of years. Some of these microbes harvest energy from meth- ane, sulfur, and even iron. -
The Thermal Limits to Life on Earth
International Journal of Astrobiology 13 (2): 141–154 (2014) doi:10.1017/S1473550413000438 © Cambridge University Press 2014. The online version of this article is published within an Open Access environment subject to the conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. The thermal limits to life on Earth Andrew Clarke1,2 1British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, UK 2School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Living organisms on Earth are characterized by three necessary features: a set of internal instructions encoded in DNA (software), a suite of proteins and associated macromolecules providing a boundary and internal structure (hardware), and a flux of energy. In addition, they replicate themselves through reproduction, a process that renders evolutionary change inevitable in a resource-limited world. Temperature has a profound effect on all of these features, and yet life is sufficiently adaptable to be found almost everywhere water is liquid. The thermal limits to survival are well documented for many types of organisms, but the thermal limits to completion of the life cycle are much more difficult to establish, especially for organisms that inhabit thermally variable environments. Current data suggest that the thermal limits to completion of the life cycle differ between the three major domains of life, bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. At the very highest temperatures only archaea are found with the current high-temperature limit for growth being 122 °C. Bacteria can grow up to 100 °C, but no eukaryote appears to be able to complete its life cycle above *60 °C and most not above 40 °C. -
Microbial Extremophiles in Aspect of Limits of Life. Elena V. ~Ikuta
Source of Acquisition NASA Marshall Space Flight Centel Microbial extremophiles in aspect of limits of life. Elena V. ~ikuta',Richard B. ~oover*,and Jane an^.^ IT LF " '-~ationalSpace Sciences and Technology CenterINASA, VP-62, 320 Sparkman Dr., Astrobiology Laboratory, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA. 3- Noblis, 3 150 Fairview Park Drive South, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA. Introduction. During Earth's evolution accompanied by geophysical and climatic changes a number of ecosystems have been formed. These ecosystems differ by the broad variety of physicochemical and biological factors composing our environment. Traditionally, pH and salinity are considered as geochemical extremes, as opposed to the temperature, pressure and radiation that are referred to as physical extremes (Van den Burg, 2003). Life inhabits all possible places on Earth interacting with the environment and within itself (cross species relations). In nature it is very rare when an ecotope is inhabited by a single species. As a rule, most ecosystems contain the functionally related and evolutionarily adjusted communities (consortia and populations). In contrast to the multicellular structure of eukaryotes (tissues, organs, systems of organs, whole organism), the highest organized form of prokaryotic life in nature is the benthic colonization in biofilms and microbial mats. In these complex structures all microbial cells of different species are distributed in space and time according to their functions and to physicochemical gradients that allow more effective system support, self- protection, and energy distribution. In vitro, of course, the most primitive organized structure for bacterial and archaeal cultures is the colony, the size, shape, color, consistency, and other characteristics of which could carry varies specifics on species or subspecies levels. -
Post-Genomic Characterization of Metabolic Pathways in Sulfolobus Solfataricus
Post-Genomic Characterization of Metabolic Pathways in Sulfolobus solfataricus Jasper Walther Thesis committee Thesis supervisors Prof. dr. J. van der Oost Personal chair at the laboratory of Microbiology Wageningen University Prof. dr. W. M. de Vos Professor of Microbiology Wageningen University Other members Prof. dr. W.J.H. van Berkel Wageningen University Prof. dr. V.A.F. Martins dos Santos Wageningen University Dr. T.J.G. Ettema Uppsala University, Sweden Dr. S.V. Albers Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany This research was conducted under the auspices of the Graduate School VLAG Post-Genomic Characterization of Metabolic Pathways in Sulfolobus solfataricus Jasper Walther Thesis Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor at Wageningen University by the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. dr. M.J. Kropff, in the presence of the Thesis Committee appointed by the Academic Board to be defended in public on Monday 23 January 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Aula. Jasper Walther Post-Genomic Characterization of Metabolic Pathways in Sulfolobus solfataricus, 164 pages. Thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2012) With references, with summaries in Dutch and English ISBN 978-94-6173-203-3 Table of contents Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Hot Transcriptomics 17 Chapter 3 Reconstruction of central carbon metabolism in Sulfolobus solfataricus using a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis map, stable isotope labelling and DNA microarray analysis 45 Chapter 4 Identification of the Missing -
Exploring the Cell Cycle of Archaea
Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 300 Exploring the Cell Cycle of Archaea MAGNUS LUNDGREN ACTA UNIVERSITATIS UPSALIENSIS ISSN 1651-6214 UPPSALA ISBN 978-91-554-6881-1 2007 urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-7848 ! " # ! $%%& '( ) * * * + , - . , #, $%%&, / / * 0 , 0 , '%%, & , , 123 4&!54 5))657!! 5 , 0 * * , 1 * . , * * , - * * , . 5 * , " * . * 8 * 5 , 2 . 0 . . , 2 * 0 9 . * 5 , 0 * . , . * * . . , 0 , /7 . . 0 , -. /7 * . * , : . . * , 0 * ; . * / , 0 . . , < ; . * , - . . . 8 * , 1 , ! " 0 / : # / #$ % $ & $ ' ( )* $ $ %+,-./ $ ! = # $%%& 122 7) 57$ 6 123 4&!54 5))657!! 5 ( ((( 5&!6! > (?? ,,? @ A ( ((( 5&!6!B List of papers This thesis is based on the following papers, which are referred to in the text by their roman numerals. I Robinson NP, Dionne I*, Lundgren M*, Marsh VL, Bernander R, Bell SD. Identification of two origins of replication in the single chromosome of the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Cell, -
Eukarya Archaea Bacteria Euryarchaeota
or collective redistirbution of any portion of this article by photocopy machine, reposting, or other means is permitted only with the approval of Th e Oceanography Society. Send all correspondence to: [email protected] or Th eOceanography PO Box 1931, Rockville, USA.Society, MD 20849-1931, or e to: [email protected] Oceanography correspondence all Society. Send of Th approval portionthe ofwith any articlepermitted only photocopy by is of machine, reposting, this means or collective or other redistirbution articleis has been published in Th SPECIAL ISSUE FEATURE Oceanography , Volume 20, Number 1, a quarterly journal of Th e Oceanography Society. Copyright 2007 by Th e Oceanography Society. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy this article for use in teaching and research. Republication, systemmatic reproduction, Threproduction, Republication, systemmatic research. for this and teaching article copy to use in reserved. e is rights granted All OceanographyPermission Society. by 2007 eCopyright Oceanography Society. journal of Th 20, Number 1, a quarterly , Volume Th e Emergence of Life on Earth BY MITCHELL SCHULTE 42 Oceanography Vol. 20, No. 1 AMONG THE MOST enduring and perplexing questions pondered by humankind are why, how, and when life began on Earth, and whether life exists elsewhere in the solar system or the universe. Attempts to answer these questions have fallen under the purview of a number of areas of inquiry, including philosophy, religion, and, more recently, dedicated scientifi c inquiry. Scien- tifi c study of life’s beginnings necessarily draws from a wide variety of disciplines. Because of the complexity of the problem, geologists, chemists, biologists, and physicists, as well as engineers and Th e Emergence of mathematicians, have all been involved in origin-of-life research. -
Function and Adaptation of Acidophiles in Natural and Applied Communities
Stephan Christel Linnaeus University Dissertations No 328/2018 Stephan Christel and Appliedand Communities Acidophiles in Natural of Adaptation and Function Function and Adaptation of Acidophiles in Natural and Applied Communities Lnu.se ISBN: 978-91-88761-94-1 978-91-88761-95-8 (pdf ) linnaeus university press Function and Adaptation of Acidophiles in Natural and Applied Communities Linnaeus University Dissertations No 328/2018 FUNCTION AND ADAPTATION OF ACIDOPHILES IN NATURAL AND APPLIED COMMUNITIES STEPHAN CHRISTEL LINNAEUS UNIVERSITY PRESS Abstract Christel, Stephan (2018). Function and Adaptation of Acidophiles in Natural and Applied Communities, Linnaeus University Dissertations No 328/2018, ISBN: 978-91-88761-94-1 (print), 978-91-88761-95-8 (pdf). Written in English. Acidophiles are organisms that have evolved to grow optimally at high concentrations of protons. Members of this group are found in all three domains of life, although most of them belong to the Archaea and Bacteria. As their energy demand is often met chemolithotrophically by the oxidation of basic ions 2+ and molecules such as Fe , H2, and sulfur compounds, they are often found in environments marked by the natural or anthropogenic exposure of sulfide minerals. Nonetheless, organoheterotrophic growth is also common, especially at higher temperatures. Beside their remarkable resistance to proton attack, acidophiles are resistant to a multitude of other environmental factors, including toxic heavy metals, high temperatures, and oxidative stress. This allows them to thrive in environments with high metal concentrations and makes them ideal for application in so-called biomining technologies. The first study of this thesis investigated the iron-oxidizer Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans that is highly relevant for boreal biomining. -
And Carbohydrate-Converting Enzymes from Thermophilic Bacteria
Molecular studies on protein- and carbohydrate-converting enzymes from thermophilic bacteria Leon D. Kluskens Promotor prof. dr. W.M. de Vos Hoogleraar in de Microbiologie Wageningen Universiteit Co-promotor dr. J. van der Oost Universitair docent bij de Leerstoelgroep Microbiologie Wageningen Universiteit Leden van de prof. dr. dr. h.c. G. Antranikian promotie Technical University Hamburg-Harburg, Germany commissie prof. dr. J.A.M. Leunissen Wageningen Universiteit prof. dr. R.J. Siezen Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen prof. dr. A.G.J. Voragen Wageningen Universiteit dr. ir. G. Beldman Wageningen Universiteit Molecular studies on protein- and carbohydrate-converting enzymes from thermophilic bacteria Leon D. Kluskens Proefschrift ter verkrijging van de graad van doctor op gezag van de rector magnificus van Wageningen Universiteit, prof. dr. ir. L. Speelman, in het openbaar te verdedigen op vrijdag 9 januari 2004 des namiddags te vier uur in de Aula Molecular studies on protein- and carbohydrate-converting enzymes from thermophilic bacteria Leon D. Kluskens In Dutch: Moleculaire studie naar eiwit- en suikerafbrekende enzymen uit thermofiele bacteriën Ph.D. thesis Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands 2004 138 p., with summary in Dutch ISBN: 90-5808-971-1 Voor mijn ouders BEDANKT! Met het schrijven van dit dankwoord kan ik eindelijk beginnen aan het laatste, maar ook belangrijkste gedeelte van mijn proefschrift. Want zonder de hulp van een groot aantal mensen zou de verwezenlijking van dit boekje een stuk moeizamer, zoniet onmogelijk zijn geweest, en die personen wil hieronder graag bedanken. John en Willem, het tweejarig project kwam voor mij als een geschenk uit de hemel, aangezien ik nog niet wist wat ik wilde gaan doen, en omdat de stap naar een volledig AIO-project op dat moment nog zo groot leek. -
Live Long and Evolve: What Star Trek Can Teach Us About Evolution
© Copyright, Princeton University Press. No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher. CHAPTER 1 “TO SEEK OUT NEW LIFE . .” The opening sequences of both TOS and TNG mention that their mission is “to seek out new life.” While many viewers think of this mission in the context of other humanoid life forms depicted in the series, such as the Vulcans or Klingons or An dorians, fewer think of it in the context of entirely unfamiliar forms. Is such unfamiliar life likely, and what might a “new life form” look like? The first section of this chapter examines briefly the question of what “life” actually means and begins to exam ine its probability of occurrence. Many biology textbooks pro vide lists of characteristics of living organisms, but exceptions to some items in these lists abound even on our own planet. Might we expect similar forms to have arisen elsewhere in the universe? Furthermore, these lists are artificial in the sense that they were made based on observations of known organisms on Earth rather than derived from fundamental principles of bi ology and chemistry. Much of life is, for example, water and carbon based, but are these properties general to life or idiosyn cratic to the observed single set of related life forms on Earth? The second section of the chapter goes into several properties as sociated with life on Earth, and considers what alternatives may be possible. For general queries, contact [email protected] © Copyright, Princeton University Press. -
Electroactive Microorganisms in Bioelectrochemical Systems
REVIEWS Electroactive microorganisms in bioelectrochemical systems Bruce E. Logan 1*, Ruggero Rossi1, Ala’a Ragab2 and Pascal E. Saikaly 2* Abstract | A vast array of microorganisms from all three domains of life can produce electrical current and transfer electrons to the anodes of different types of bioelectrochemical systems. These exoelectrogens are typically iron- reducing bacteria, such as Geobacter sulfurreducens, that produce high power densities at moderate temperatures. With the right media and growth conditions, many other microorganisms ranging from common yeasts to extremophiles such as hyperthermophilic archaea can also generate high current densities. Electrotrophic microorganisms that grow by using electrons derived from the cathode are less diverse and have no common or prototypical traits, and current densities are usually well below those reported for model exoelectrogens. However, electrotrophic microorganisms can use diverse terminal electron acceptors for cell respiration, including carbon dioxide, enabling a variety of novel cathode- driven reactions. The impressive diversity of electroactive microorganisms and the conditions in which they function provide new opportunities for electrochemical devices, such as microbial fuel cells that generate electricity or microbial electrolysis cells that produce hydrogen or methane. Bioelectrochemical systems Microorganisms that can generate an electrical current current densities to date come from mixed cultures that Devices that contain have been of scientific interest for more than a cen- are usually dominated by Deltaproteobacteria of the microorganisms that donate tury1, and microorganisms that can directly transfer genus Geobacter. However, many other microorganisms to or accept electrons from electrons without added mediators or electron shut- can transfer electrons to an anode. an electrode. tles are the focus of modern bioelectrochemical systems Electrons from the cathode can also fuel abiotic or Microbial electrochemical (BOx 1). -
Extremophiles
EXTREMOPHILES Concepts: environmental stresses and adaptation mechanisms, life in cold, dry, hot, acidic, basic, radioactive, sulfidic places, names for different extremophiles, animals in extreme environments Reading: Rothschild and Mancinelli, Nature, 409, p 1092, 2001 1 What you should know • Examples of ‘extreme’ environments • Some concepts of what is ‘extreme’ and why • A strategy for quantifying ‘habitability • Strategies that allow organisms to survive ‘extreme’ environments • Examples of pertinent research and its application to understanding limits of life in the solar system 2 Historical Perspective • Most early attention given to hydrothermal systems • 1881, first thermophile cultured • 1903, Setchell notices “algae” in Yellowstone hot spings • Very little attention given to “extreme” habitats prior to mid 20th C • 1977, deep-sea hydrothermal vents first discovered • 1977, the Archaea are “discovered” (Woese and Fox) • 1980-1990, the Archaea are slowly recognized as a legitimate group; the 3 domain system is proposed • 1985, PCR-based molecular methods first applied to hydrothermal systems • 1998-present, Astrobiology “boom”; search for Earth analog systems fuels rapid increase in studies of “extreme” environments 3 http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov 4 Curiosity at Gale Crater on Mars Image courtesy of NASA. 5 http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov 6 Defining Extremes 1 • Temp: -20 °C to 121 °C Arctic sea- ice / hydrothermal vents • pH: <1 to 13 acid mine drainage This image has been removed basaltic aquifers / groundwater due to copyright restrictions. • “Toxins”: Tutum Bay, PNG up to Junge et al., 2004 70,000ppm Arsenic in vent sediments This image has been removed due to copyright restrictions. This image has been removed due to copyright restrictions. -
Download Life in the Extreme Activity, Including Cards
Life In the Extreme About The Activity Participants are each given one of 14 examples of extremophiles -- organisms found in some of the toughest conditions on Earth. They sort themselves into groups according to the various preferences of their organisms. Finally, they discover that all known life on Earth requires liquid water to survive and grow. Topics Covered: • All life that we have found on Earth needs liquid water to survive. • Life is found in a variety of extreme environments on Earth. • Science is using these facts to explore the possibility of life beyond Earth. Participants: This activity works best with a group of at least 10 participants so that each person gets a card. With more participants, they can form "colonies." With fewer participants, this activity can be a simple sorting game spread out on a table. Ages 7 to adult will enjoy this activity at different levels. Location and Timing: This activity can be used before star parties, indoors or out, with scout troops and youth groups, in the classroom, at club meetings, and even for a general presentation. Participants will need to be mobile. It can run 5 to 15 minutes. Materials Needed: • 14 Extremophile Cards • (Optional) Presenter's Cue sheet Included in This Packet Page Detailed Activity Description 2 Materials and Set Up 5 Background Information 5 Master Copies 7 © 2011 Astronomical Society of the Pacific www.astrosociety.org Copies for educational purposes are permitted. Additional astronomy activities can be found here: http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov Detailed Activity Description Life In the Extreme Leader’s Role Participants’ Role (Anticipated) To Say: Who thinks there might be life elsewhere in our galaxy? –or-- I do! What kinds of worlds do you think aliens might live on? Worlds like Earth? To get some clues to these questions, scientists are studying organisms that survive in extreme environments right here on Earth to see all of the amazing ways life has adapted on our planet.