Microbial Life and Astrobiology
Created by Sarah Bordenstein, Marine Biological Laboratory
Astrobiology embraces the search for potentially inhabited planets beyond our Solar System, the exploration of Mars and the outer planets, laboratory and field investigations of the origins and early evolution of life, and studies of the potential of life to adapt to future challenges, both on Earth and in space. It addresses three basic questions:
- How does life begin and evolve?
- Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?
- What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?
-
The Astrobiology Roadmap, NASA Ames Research Center
Biogenic-looking features in ALH84001 Martian meteorite. Image credit: NASA.
What is Astrobiology?
Astrobiology is the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the Universe. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines concepts in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth and space sciences, technology, information science, and related disciplines.
- Goal 1: Understand the nature and distribution of habitable environments in the Universe
- Goal 2: Explore for past or present habitable environments, prebiotic chemistry and signs of life elsewhere in our Solar System
- Goal 3: Understand how life originates from cosmic and planetary precursors
- Goal 4: Understand how past life on Earth interacted with its changing planetary and Solar System environment
- Goal 5: Understand the evolutionary mechanisms and environmental limits of life
- Goal 6: Understand the principles that will shape the future of life, both on Earth and beyond
- Goal 7: Determine how to recognize signatures of life on other worlds and on early Earth
Source: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/
Microbial Life and Astrobiology
Microbiology is an essential tool in the quest for extraterrestrial life and in the search for the origins and destiny of life. By understanding the complexity and extremity of microbial life on Earth, we are able to speculate about the existence of life on other planets—both within our solar system and beyond. Microbiology can be used to address each of the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap Questions.
- How Does Life Begin and Evolve?
- Microbiology may be applied to the study of evolution at the molecular, organism, and ecosystem level.
- Scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory, for example, employ molecular techniques to explore how relatively simple organisms and their genomes (compared to those of metazoans) evolved into more complex forms. Their astrobiology program goal is to search for novel eukaryote diversity in rarely studied environments, some resembling conditions possibly existing millions/billions of years ago on other solar system bodies.
- Does Life Exist Elsewhere in the Universe?
- The discovery of microbes in extreme environments on Earth has changed our perspective regarding what makes a planet habitable. By looking at extreme microbes on Earth, we gain insight into the possible existence of extraterrestrial life.
- The astrobiology consortium led by the Carnegie Institution of Washington primarily studies the physical, chemical, and biological evolution of hydrothermal systems. Looking at vent complexes associated with ocean ridges, deep aquifers, and other subsurface aqueous environments, they have successfully documented novel microbial metabolic strategies and unexpected high-pressure environments for life. This has led to the investigation of similar environments on other planets and bodies, as well as studies in planetary formation.
- What is Future of Life on Earth and Beyond?
- Microbes are essential players in the bioremediation of denuded areas on Earth (i.e., deforestation, mining). Knowledge of these processes can be applied in the terraforming of other planets.
- Microorganisms have guided the way in developing our current atmospheric conditions. They carry out essential activities, such as the fixation of nutrients, and are necessary for the success of life as we know it.
- Scientists at the SETI Institute are exploring the suitability of planets orbiting M stars for either single-celled or more complex life, as well as testing the survival of microorganisms in very high UV environments. Through the exploration of Earth's highest altitude lakes and ponds, in Bolivia and Chile, a series of investigations are examining the survival strategies employed by these microorganisms.
Astrobiology Collections
General Collection: Resources such as news articles, web sites, and reference pages provide a comprehensive array of information about Microbial Life and Astrobiology.
Advanced Collection: Compiled for professionals and advanced learners, this collection includes resources such as journal articles, academic reviews, and surveys.
For Educators: This collection includes activities, assignments, and reading materials created specifically for educators.
Additional Resources
For additional resources about Microbial Life and Astrobiology,
search the
Microbial Life collection.