Most planetary scientists agree that, as we all know, extreme conditions on Mars will not be suitable for life. However, new research suggests that we may underestimate the difficulty of lichens.
Polish researchers revealed that some lichen species can tolerate a Mars-like environment while maintaining biological activity. As detailed in a study published Monday in the IMA Fungus Journal, their work challenges the general idea that the Martian surface is completely unable to host any life in its current state.
The researchers tested two lichens: Magician muscles and Cetraria aculeaata. Lichens are strange, exterior-looking forms of life, composed of different organisms: fungi and/or cyanobacteria (a type of photosynthetic bacteria) in a tight biological partnership. They are surprisingly resistant to harsh environments, and in fact, lichens thrive in many different species of habitats, including frozen tundra and deserts.
Researchers exposed D. Muscle and C. Aculeata For Martian-like atmospheric conditions, including simulated air pressure and temperature changes, lasted for five hours. They also simulate the amount of X-ray radiated Mars that can be experienced during a year of solar activity. D. Muscle It performed significantly better than C. Aculeata: Its fungi remain metabolized throughout the experiment (a life chemical reaction that provides energy).
“Our study is the first to prove that fungal mates are still active in lichen symbiosis,” said Kaja Skubała, the lead author of the study and a biologist at Jagiellonian University in a report on Pensoft Publishers Spatingers (Pensoft Publishes Ima Fungus). “We found that Magician muscles Ability to carry out metabolic processes and effectively activate defense mechanisms. ”
The results show D. Muscle May survive on the surface of Mars. This study challenges the hypothesis that ionizing radiation on the Red Planet (a form of high-energy radiation) is a definite barrier to life.
“These findings extend our understanding of biological processes under simulated Martian conditions and reveal how hydrated organisms respond to ionizing radiation, one of the most critical challenges in survival and habitability on Mars,” explains Skubała. Hydrated organisms are organisms whose components have sufficient amounts of water to maintain biological functions. “Ultimately, this study deepens our understanding of lichen adaptation and its potential in colonizing alien environments.”
As far as I know, Nasa doesn't want to colonize Mars with lichens anytime soon, but this study can rethink what kind of life can survive a day outside of Earth.
