Whether or not anything else ever lived on Mars is unknown. And the existing atmosphere, with harsh temperatures, intense radiation, and a sparse environment, isn’t precisely propitious for existence. Regardless of the crimson planet’s brutality, lichens that inhabit one of the crucial cruelest environments on Earth may be able to continue to exist there.
Lichens are symbionts, or two organisms which are in a cooperative dating. There’s a fungal element (maximum are about 90 p.c fungus) and a photosynthetic element (algae or cyanobacteria). To look if some species of lichen had what it takes to continue to exist on Mars, a staff of researchers led by way of botanist Kaja Skubała used the House Analysis Middle of the Polish Academy of Sciences to show the lichen species Diploschistes muscorum and Cetrarea aculeata to simulate Mars stipulations.
“Our find out about is the primary to display that the metabolism of the fungal spouse in lichen symbiosis used to be lively whilst being in a Mars-like atmosphere,” the researchers stated in a find out about lately printed in IMA Fungus. “X-rays related to sun flares and SEPs attaining Mars will have to now not have an effect on the possible habitability of lichens on the planet.”
Martian ionizing radiation is threatening to maximum kinds of existence as a result of it will probably purpose harm on the cell stage. It may possibly additionally get in the way in which of bodily, genetic, morphological, and biochemical processes, relying at the organism and radiation stage.
Going to extremes
Lichens have an edge relating to survival. They percentage traits with different organisms that may take care of top ranges of pressure, together with a low metabolism, now not wanting a lot in the way in which of diet, and longevity. Just like tardigrades, lichens can keep in a desiccated state for prolonged sessions till they’re rehydrated. Different lichen variations to excessive stipulations come with metabolites that display screen out UV rays and melanin pigments that still shield in opposition to radiation.
