Olsson-Francis, Karen and Cockell, Charles
(2010).
| DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link: | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2009.10.004 |
|---|---|
| Google Scholar: | Look up in Google Scholar |
Abstract
Microorganisms can be used as model systems for studying biological responses to extraterrestrial conditions; however, the methods for studying their response are extremely challenging. Since the first high altitude microbiological experiment in 1935 a large number of facilities have been developed for short- and long-term microbial exposure experiments. Examples are the BIOPAN facility, used for short-term exposure, and the EXPOSE facility aboard the International Space Station, used for long-term exposure. Furthermore, simulation facilities have been developed to conduct microbiological experiments in the laboratory environment. A large number of microorganisms have been used for exposure experiments; these include pure cultures and microbial communities. Analyses of these experiments have involved both culture-dependent and independent methods. This review highlights and discusses the facilities available for microbiology experiments, both in space and in simulation environments. A description of the microorganisms and the techniques used to analyse survival is included. Finally we discuss the implications of microbiological studies for future missions and for space applications.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | 2009 Elsevier B.V. |
| ISSN: | 0167-7012 |
| Keywords: | extraterrestrial environments; extremophiles; microbial response |
| Academic Unit/Department: | Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Physical Sciences |
| Interdisciplinary Research Centre: | Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) |
| Item ID: | 22024 |
| Depositing User: | Karen Olsson-Francis |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jul 2010 15:29 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2016 13:42 |
| URI: | http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/22024 |
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