| Literature DB >> 28151689 |
Cyprien Verseux1, Mickael Baqué1,2, Riccardo Cifariello1, Claudia Fagliarone1, Marina Raguse3, Ralf Moeller3, Daniela Billi1.
Abstract
Studying the resistance of cyanobacteria to ionizing radiation provides relevant information regarding astrobiology-related topics including the search for life on Mars, lithopanspermia, and biological life-support systems. Here, we report on the resistance of desert cyanobacteria of the genus Chroococcidiopsis, which were exposed (as part of the STARLIFE series of experiments) in both hydrated and dried states to ionizing radiation with different linear energy transfer values (0.2 to 200 keV/μm). Irradiation with up to 1 kGy of He or Si ions, 2 kGy of Fe ions, 5 kGy of X-rays, or 11.59 kGy of γ rays (60Co) did not eradicate Chroococcidiopsis populations, nor did it induce detectable damage to DNA or plasma membranes. The relevance of these results for astrobiology is briefly discussed. Key Words: Ionizing radiation-Linear energy transfer-Lithopanspermia-Cyanobacterial radioresistance-Chroococcidiopsis-Mars. Astrobiology 17, 118-125.Entities:
Mesh：
Substances：
Year: 2017 PMID： 28151689 DOI： 10.1089/ast.2015.1450
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Astrobiology ISSN： 1557-8070 Impact factor: 4.335