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"BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment" (BIOMEX)
The stability
of biogenic organic compounds and the potential of organisms to
survive under Mars and space conditions are subjects of the
"BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment" (BIOMEX). The project has two
scientific objectives:
1. Definition of biosignatures:
database development based on Raman analysis data of exposed
samples.
2. Resistance capability of organisms and
biomolecules against conditions of space and the martian surface;
these data shall contribute to clarifying whether transport of life in
space is possible (theory of Lithopanspermia) and if life could exist
on Mars.
BIOMEX takes part in the space experiment
EXPOSE-R2 of the European Space Agency (ESA) at the International
Space Station (ISS). Samples such as pigments, cell wall components,
lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow algae, black fungi and
bryophytes are being subjected to conditions of space or the martian
surface in the course of this experiment. The capability of iron
bacteria to survive simulated martian conditions and survival
strategies are investigated at the Environmental Microbiology group.
Multispecies biofilms associated to Mars-analog minerals are of
special interest in this context. The effects of stress factors like
desiccation, UV and cosmic radiation on bacteria are determined by
detecting survival and activity of cells. Measurement of cell activity
is accomplished by FISH (Fluorescence-in-situ-Hybridization) and
staining methods like CTC and LIVE/DEAD assay. In addition, growth and
physiological tests are carried out.
Head of Chair
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ulrich Szewzyksec. BH 6-1
Room BH-N 604
Tel +49 30 314 73 461
e-mail query [2]
Consultation hours:
Wed 12:00 am - 1:00 pm
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