Researchers have demonstrated that the extremophile bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans can endure extreme pressures mimicking an asteroid impact on Mars. In lab experiments, the microbe withstood forces up to 3 GPa, with 60% survival rate. The findings suggest microorganisms could potentially be ejected into space and survive.
The study, led by Lily Zhao and K. T. Ramesh, explored the resilience of Deinococcus radiodurans, known for surviving radiation and desiccation. To simulate ejection from Mars due to a massive asteroid impact, the researchers placed bacterial cells between two steel plates and impacted them with a third plate, generating pressures of up to 3 GPa, equivalent to 30,000 times atmospheric pressure.
Craters on the Moon and Mars indicate frequent impacts in the solar system, which play a key role in planetary history. At pressures of 2.4 GPa, the bacteria showed signs of ruptured membranes, yet the structure of their cell envelope contributed to the survival of 60% of the microbes. Analysis of gene expression revealed that the bacteria focused on repairing cellular damage post-impact.
Previous research has established Deinococcus radiodurans as a candidate for interplanetary survival due to its toughness. The authors conclude that microorganisms may endure more extreme conditions than previously anticipated, including launch into space following major impacts. This raises the possibility that life could transfer between planets, though the study emphasizes survival under simulated ejection forces rather than full space travel.
The work, published in PNAS Nexus, highlights biotechnology and bioengineering applications in understanding extreme survival in space exploration contexts.