Lichens, cyanobacteria and molds growing in humidity of simulated Martian atmosphere: Difference between revisions
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==Lichens relying on 75% night time humidity to metabolize, photosynthesize, and develop new growth== |
==Lichens relying on 75% night time humidity to metabolize, photosynthesize, and develop new growth== |
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Another study in 2014 by German aerospace DLR in a Mars simulation chamber used the lichen Pleopsidium chlorophanum. This lives in the most Mars like environmental conditions on Earth, at up to 2000 meters in Antarctica. It is able to cope with high UV, low temperatures and dryness. It is mainly found in cracks, where just a small amount of scattered light reaches it. This is probably adaptive behaviour to protect it from UV light and desiccation. It remains metabolically active in temperatures down to -20 C, and can absorb small amounts of liquid water in an environment with ice and snow.<ref name="DLRLichenHabitable"/> |
Another study in 2014 by German aerospace DLR in a Mars simulation chamber used the lichen [[Pleopsidium chlorophanum]]. This lives in the most Mars like environmental conditions on Earth, at up to 2000 meters in Antarctica. It is able to cope with high UV, low temperatures and dryness. It is mainly found in cracks, where just a small amount of scattered light reaches it. This is probably adaptive behaviour to protect it from UV light and desiccation. It remains metabolically active in temperatures down to -20 C, and can absorb small amounts of liquid water in an environment with ice and snow.<ref name="DLRLichenHabitable"/> |
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As measured in Antarctica, the relative humidity in the lichen's niche microhabitat varies from 57 to 79% as the temperature varies from -6 to -8% and externally it varies from 23% to 46% as the external temperature varies from 8 to - 8 C.<ref name="DLRLichenHabitable"/> |
As measured in Antarctica, the relative humidity in the lichen's niche microhabitat varies from 57 to 79% as the temperature varies from -6 to -8% and externally it varies from 23% to 46% as the external temperature varies from 8 to - 8 C.<ref name="DLRLichenHabitable"/> |
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