Bacteria are highly adaptable and many survive in extreme conditions, like high acidity. Some can function in anaerobic habitats. Survival of bacteria in space is an ongoing question. Here are the answers.
Bacteria are programmed to withstand the vacuum of space, backed by research proving their resilience. Microorganisms like bacteria are diverse, quick to reproduce and have lived on planet Earth for 3.7 billion years.
Certain species are unbelievably tough in extreme settings. Deinococcus radiodurans, dubbed Conan the Bacterium, survives exposure to radiation levels up to 1,000 times higher than are lethal for humans. It can withstand extreme temperatures and even desiccation.
Extremophiles like Conan flourish in conditions of extreme heat, acidity or high salinity. Extremophiles enjoy environments deadly for the majority of organisms.
Halomonas is found in salt flats. It can withstand salt concentrations 10 times more than seawater. Thermococcus, a genus of archaea, is found in hydrothermal vents at temperatures higher than 100°C.
Researchers believe these extremophiles can be the key to the potential for existence of life in alien settings like subsurface Martian ice. Frozen oceans of Europa and Enceladus also have possibilities.
Challenges Facing Bacteria in Space
Vacuum: The near-perfect vacuum of space dehydrates organisms, causing cell damage or death.
Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures can swing from scorching highs exposed to direct sunlight to frigid lows in the rest of space.
Radiation: UV radiation, cosmic rays and solar flares can damage DNA and other vital molecules.
Lack of Nutrients: Space is essentially a nutrient desert, making it difficult for organisms to maintain metabolism and reproduce.
In recent years, multiple studies attempt to assess survival rates of bacteria in space conditions. One is the BIOPAN study during the FOTON-M3 mission back in 2007.
The experiment exposed microorganisms, including Bacillus spores, to the brutal environment of space for 12 days. These spores remained viable even after intense UV radiation and cosmic rays in the vacuum of space.
Research on the International Space Station (ISS) studies how bacteria react to microgravity and radiation. After 30 days in space, bacteria not only survive but show changes in growth patterns and genetic make-up.
For example, Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, has an increased resistance to antibiotics after exposure to space. Due to versatility E. coli strains are commonly used in genetic engineering projects on Earth.
Survival in Simulated Space: Experiments on Earth recreate the vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation levels of space. They show some bacteria, especially those who form spores, can survive for extended periods, even years.
Lithopanspermia and Meteorites: The theory of lithopanspermia suggests life spreads through the universe with rocks struck from planets by asteroid impacts. Evidence of bacteria is found within meteorites.
It's part of the overall panspermia theory suggesting microbial life is carried through space on comets, meteoroids, or even spacecraft. Their tiny size is a factor - about 150,000 E. coli bacteria can dance on the head of a pin.
How Bacteria Survive Space & Other Extreme Conditions
Spore Formation: Spore formation allows bacteria to enter a dormant state, greatly increasing their resistance to dehydration, radiation, and temperature extremes.
Pigmentation: Some bacteria produce pigments, such as melanin, to shield from harmful radiation.
DNA Repair Mechanisms: Bacteria have sophisticated DNA repair mechanisms to counteract damaging effects of radiation.
Biofilms: Bacteria can form biofilms, which are communities of cells encased in a protective matrix. Biofilms can enhance resistance to UV radiation and dehydration.
The ability of bacteria to survive in space is important to astrobiology, the study of origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. It opens up countless possibilities.
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