Assessing the Ecophysiology of Methanogens in the Context of Recent Astrobiological and Planetological Studies

Autor(en)
Ruth-Sophie Taubner, Christa Schleper, Maria G Firneis, Simon K-M R Rittmann
Abstrakt

Among all known microbes capable of thriving under extreme and, therefore, potentially extraterrestrial environmental conditions, methanogens from the domain Archaea are intriguing organisms. This is due to their broad metabolic versatility, enormous diversity, and ability to grow under extreme environmental conditions. Several studies revealed that growth conditions of methanogens are compatible with environmental conditions on extraterrestrial bodies throughout the Solar System. Hence, life in the Solar System might not be limited to the classical habitable zone. In this contribution we assess the main ecophysiological characteristics of methanogens and compare these to the environmental conditions of putative habitats in the Solar System, in particular Mars and icy moons. Eventually, we give an outlook on the feasibility and the necessity of future astrobiological studies concerning methanogens.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Astrophysik
Journal
Life
Band
5
Seiten
1652-1686
Anzahl der Seiten
35
ISSN
2075-1729
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/life5041652
Publikationsdatum
12-2015
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
103003 Astronomie, 106022 Mikrobiologie
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all), Palaeontology, Space and Planetary Science
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/assessing-the-ecophysiology-of-methanogens-in-the-context-of-recent-astrobiological-and-planetological-studies(15cfc5fb-8583-4e22-aeb3-bf98b4c3de33).html