Survival and growth of terrestrial microorganisms in ammonia-rich atmospheres

Siegel, S. M.; Giumarro, C.

doi:10.1016/0019-1035(65)90015-1

Cited by 18 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Siegel et al reported evidence for the capability of a mutant strain of Penicillium notatum to take up a radiolabelled precursor of DNA, RNA and protein in a glycerol–NH 3 medium at −40°C and apparent localization of labelled DNA precursor in the nucleoid region (Siegel et al 1968), although these results have not been corroborated. In other studies survival of micro-organisms including a strain of Penicillium brevicompactum was reported on plants exposed to atmospheres with a high NH 3 concentration up to 95% (Siegel & Giumarro 1965).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…First, un-ionized ammonium (NH 3 ) is easily transported across the cell membrane and accumulates inside the cell as ammonium ions, where it interferes with the proton gradient across the cell wall by removing free H + . In other studies survival of microorganisms including a strain of Penicillium brevicompactum was reported on plants exposed to atmospheres with a high NH 3 concentration up to 95% (Siegel & Giumarro 1965). Secondly, the reaction with water (NH 3 + H 2 O > NH 4 + + OH − ) is a redox reaction, potentially interfering with cellular redox reactions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Diverse microbial species survive high ammonia concentrations

Kelly

Cockell

Summers

2012

International Journal of Astrobiology

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AbstractPlanetary protection regulations are in place to control the contamination of planets and moons with terrestrial micro-organisms in order to avoid jeopardizing future scientific investigations relating to the search for life. One environmental chemical factor of relevance in extraterrestrial environments, specifically in the moons of the outer solar system, is ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is known to be highly toxic to micro-organisms and may disrupt proton motive force, interfere with cellular redox reactions or cause an increase of cell pH. To test the survival potential of terrestrial micro-organisms exposed to such cold, ammonia-rich environments, and to judge whether current planetary protection regulations are sufficient, soil samples were exposed to concentrations of NH3from 5 to 35% (v/v) at −80°C and room temperature for periods up to 11 months. Following exposure to 35% NH3, diverse spore-forming taxa survived, including representatives of theFirmicutes(Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Viridibacillus, Paenibacillus, StaphylococcusandBrevibacillus) andActinobacteria(Streptomyces). Non-spore forming organisms also survived, includingProteobacteria(Pseudomonas) andActinobacteria(Arthrobacter) that are known to have environmentally resistant resting states.Clostridiumspp. were isolated from the exposed soil under anaerobic culture. High NH3was shown to cause a reduction in viability of spores over time, but spore morphology was not visibly altered. In addition to its implications for planetary protection, these data show that a large number of bacteria, potentially including spore-forming pathogens, but also environmentally resistant non-spore-formers, can survive high ammonia concentrations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Diverse microbial species survive high ammonia concentrations

Kelly

Cockell

Summers

2012

International Journal of Astrobiology

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“…When healthy xerophytic plants, containing low numbers of surface microorganisms, were exposed to atmospheres :ontaining 5 to 15% NH3 for a 2 month period, direct examination of the plant surfaces revealed in abundant flora of microbes, including Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, filamentous ascomycetes, and germinating conidia, ndicating that the natural microbiota was able to )roliferate under these conditions. 248 Numerous studies have indicated either the Simulation or the inhibition of microbes after :xposure to various air pollutants. Colletotrichum indemuthianum, 2 * 9 C. gloeosporiodes, Alternaría •itri, and Oospora citriauranti 24 * were inhibited ipon exposure to low concentrations of O3, vhereas Helminthosporium sativum exhibited ncreased radial growth and wet weight upon ¡xposure to 35 235 Although 35 ppm SO 2 was toxic to Oiplocarpon rosae Wolf, sublethal concentrations were stimulatory.…”

Section: Crc Critical Reviews In Environmental Controlmentioning

confidence: 99%

Air pollution and microbial ecology

Babich

Lighthart²

1974

C R C Critical Reviews in Environmental Control

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“…If Europa remains a best hope, the case for exploration of the Venusian atmosphere cannot be far behind [40]. And although more neglected, an analogous case could be made for a Jovian habitat ( [41]; see also [42]). …”

Section: (B) Beyond the Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting what extra-terrestrials will be like: and preparing for the worst

Morris

2011

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

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It is difficult to imagine evolution in alien biospheres operating in any manner other than Darwinian. Yet, it is also widely assumed that alien life-forms will be just that: strange, un-nerving and probably repulsive. There are two reasons for this view. First, it is assumed that the range of habitable environments available to extra-terrestrial life is far wider than on Earth. I suggest, however, that terrestrial life is close to the physical and chemical limits of life anywhere. Second, it is a neo-Darwinian orthodoxy that evolution lacks predictability; imagining what extra-terrestrial life would look like in any detail is a futile exercise. To the contrary, I suggest that the outcomes of evolution are remarkably predictable. This, however, leads us to consider two opposites, both of which should make our blood run cold. The first, and actually extremely unlikely, is that alien biospheres will be strikingly similar to our terrestrial equivalent and that in such biospheres intelligence will inevitably emerge. The reasons for this revolve around the ubiquity of evolutionary convergence, the determinate structure of the Tree of Life and molecular inherency. But if something like a human is an inevitability, why do I also claim that the first possibility is 'extremely unlikely' ? Simply because the other possibility is actually the correct answer. Paradoxically, we and our biosphere are completely alone. So which is worse? Meeting ourselves or meeting nobody?

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Survival and growth of terrestrial microorganisms in ammonia-rich atmospheres

Cited by 18 publications

References 2 publications

Diverse microbial species survive high ammonia concentrations

Diverse microbial species survive high ammonia concentrations

Air pollution and microbial ecology

Predicting what extra-terrestrials will be like: and preparing for the worst

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