A step towards life on Mars? Lichens survive Martian simulation in a new study

For the first time, researchers have shown that certain lichens species can survive the Mars type conditions, including exposure to ionizing radiation, while maintaining a metabolically active state.

Published in the journal IMA FUNGUSA new study highlights the potential of lichens to survive and operate on the Martian surface, questioning the previous hypotheses on the uninhabitable nature of March, and offering information to astrobiology and spatial exploration.

Lichens are not a single organism, but a symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and / or cyanobacteria known for their extreme tolerance to severe environments such as land deserts and polar regions of the earth. In this study, the fungal partner of the lichen symbiosis has remained metabolically active when exposed to atmospheric conditions of Mars in the dark, including the levels of radiation of X -ray expected on Mars over a year of strong solar activity.

Research focuses on two lichen species, Muscorum and Cetraria aculeata diplomists, selected for their different features, exposing them to Mars type conditions for five hours in a simulation of the atmospheric composition of the planet, pressure, temperature and radiographic radiation fluctuations.

The results suggest that lichens, in particular D. Muscorum, could potentially survive on Mars despite the high doses of X -ray radiation associated with solar eruptions and energy particles reaching the surface of the planet. These results question the hypothesis that ionizing radiation is an insurmountable barrier to life on Mars and prepare the way for additional research on the potential for extraterrestrial microbial and symbiotic survival.

The main author of the article, Kaja Skubała, said: “Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in the symbiosis of the Lichen has remained active while being in an environment resembling the surface of March. We found that muscorum diplomists were able to effectively carry out metabolic processes and effectively activate the defense mechanisms.

“These results broaden our understanding of biological processes under simulated Martian conditions and reveal how hydrated organizations react to ionizing radiation – one of the most critical challenges for survival and habitability on March. In the end, this research deepens our knowledge of the adaptation of the liche and their potential for colonizing extraterrestrial environments.”

Other long -term studies on the impact of exposure to chronic radiation on lichens have been recommended, as well as experiences evaluating their survival in real Martian environments.