Genetic modification and selection of microorganisms for growth on Mars.
Genetic engineering has often been suggested as a mechanism for improving the survival prospects of terrestrial microoganisms when seeded on Mars. The survival characteristics that these pioneer microorganisms could be endowed with and a variety of mechanisms by which this can be achieved are discussed, together with an overview of some of the potential hurdles that must be overcome. Also, a number of biologically useful properties for these microorganisms are presented that could facilitate the initial human colonisation and ultimately the planetary engineering of Mars.
Hiscox
J A
JA
Department of Microbiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294, USA. Julian_Hilcox@micro.microbio.uab.edu
Thomas
D J
DJ
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D017753:Ecosystem; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018535:Mars; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation / Q000235:genetics; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D010545:Peroxides / Q000009:adverse effects; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D010545:Peroxides; D009584:Nitrogen