Evaluation of the Resistance of Chroococcidiopsis spp. to Sparsely and Densely Ionizing Irradiation
Verseux Cyprien, Baqué Mickael, Cifariello Riccardo, Fagliarone Claudia, Raguse Marina, Moeller Ralf, and Billi Daniela; ASI sponsor
Feb - 2017
DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1450

journal : Astrobiology

Volume : 17 ; Issue : 2
type: Article Journal

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.

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Notes : AcknowledgmentsThis work was supported by the Italian Space Agency(D.B.) [...]