Halophilic Archaea under simulated Martian Conditions

Abstract

Astrobiology is a rather new Science that studies life in the universe. That tere actually is life is shown on our own planet, earth. Life as we know it requires water. With discovering water on the Martian surface we began to investigate Mars and looking for life on its surface. In this project, the response of Halococcus hamelinensis and Halorubrum chaoviator towards environmental conditions is examined. If there is life or has ever been life, it would be most likely extremophilic microorganisms. Hcc. hamelinensis and Hrr. chaoviator are two of these, more precisely they are halophilic archaea (halophilic = salt loving). In a first step it is investigated whether they are able to survive in so called “Martian brine analogues” which are modelled after Martian soils. Moreover, the influence of low water activity is examined. There is (liquid) water on Mars. But very few and infrequently accessible. Further on, the effects of a typical diurnal-nocturnal temperature cycle are investigated. To conclude these experiments, the influence of harmful UV-C radiation like occurring on the Martian surface on these organisms has been studied.