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Lichen resistance to extraterrestrial conditions: Viability, ultrastructure and algal growth

Brandt, A. and de Vera, Jean Pierre Paul and Rabbow, Elke and Onofri, S. and Ott, S. (2014) Lichen resistance to extraterrestrial conditions: Viability, ultrastructure and algal growth. EANA 2014, 2014-10-13 - 2014-10-16, Edinburgh, UK.

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Official URL: http://www.astrobiology.ac.uk/files/2013/03/Abstract-Book-EANA.pdf

Abstract

In the Lichen and Fungi Experiment (LIFE) the lichen Xanthoria elegans demonstrated considerable resistance to space and simulated Mars-analogue conditions being exposed on the International Space Station. This first European long-term exposure (559 days) of eukaryotic organisms tested their ability to cope with the combined hostile conditions of space and to cope with Mars-analogue atmosphere and insolation. The samples showed remarkable resistance to the applied conditions, due to symbiotic features and adaptations. The algae resumed photosynthetic activity and both symbionts (photo-/mycobiont) showed high rates of metabolic activity (LIVE/DEAD staining). The results indicated 50 to 80% active algal cells and 60 to 90% active fungal hyphae. Preliminary simulation studies focussed on viability after UV-radiation considering the protective effect of e.g. secondary lichen compounds. The present study investigated the cellular structural resistance of the anhydrobiotic lichen X. elegans after 1.5 years in space. The ultrastructure of the photobiont has been analysed, considering bio-membrane integrity, thylakoid-membranes, symbiotic interfaces and signs of structural damage after irradiation and vacuum effect. The current study focusses on the results obtained by culture experiments, demonstrating the algal growth capacity of the samples of X. elegans after being exposed 1.5 years in space.

Item URL in elib:https://elib.dlr.de/94145/
Document Type:Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Title:Lichen resistance to extraterrestrial conditions: Viability, ultrastructure and algal growth
Authors:
AuthorsInstitution or Email of AuthorsAuthor's ORCID iDORCID Put Code
Brandt, A.Institut für Botanik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
de Vera, Jean Pierre PaulUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Rabbow, ElkeUNSPECIFIEDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9301-2021UNSPECIFIED
Onofri, S.DECOS, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell’Università, Viterbo, Italy;UNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Ott, S.Institute of Botany, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstr.1, 40225 Düsseldorf, GermanyUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Date:13 October 2014
Refereed publication:No
Open Access:Yes
Gold Open Access:No
In SCOPUS:No
In ISI Web of Science:No
Status:Published
Keywords:Viability; space conditions; algal growth; lichens
Event Title:EANA 2014
Event Location:Edinburgh, UK
Event Type:international Conference
Event Start Date:13 October 2014
Event End Date:16 October 2014
Organizer:UK Centre of Astrobiology
HGF - Research field:Aeronautics, Space and Transport
HGF - Program:Space
HGF - Program Themes:Space Exploration
DLR - Research area:Raumfahrt
DLR - Program:R EW - Space Exploration
DLR - Research theme (Project):R - Exploration of the Solar System
Location: Berlin-Adlershof , Köln-Porz
Institutes and Institutions:Institute of Planetary Research > Experimentelle Planetenphysik
Institute of Aerospace Medicine > Radiation Biology
Deposited By: de Vera, Dr. Jean Pierre Paul
Deposited On:06 Jan 2015 14:43
Last Modified:24 Apr 2024 20:00

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