title: DNA-strand breaks limit survival in extreme dryness.
abstract: The inactivation of the anhydrobiotic organisms Bacillus subtilis (spores) and Deinococcus radiodurans during long-term exposure (up to several weeks) to extreme dryness (especially vacuum) is correlated with an increase in the number of DNA-strand breaks and other DNA lesions. Survival finally depends on the repair of DNA damages. Exposure of anhydrobiotic organisms to extreme dryness (e.g. on Mars or in space) for geological times will lead to so extended DNA lesions that recovery is extremely unlikely.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biochemistry, J. Gutenberg University, Mainz, F.R.G.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dose
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bieger-Dose
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kerz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D001412:Bacillus subtilis; D004249:DNA Damage; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006095:Gram-Positive Cocci; D013171:Spores, Bacterial; D014618:Vacuum; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D014867:Water