Life on the Edge: Bioprospecting Extremophiles
for Astrobiology
byJúnia Schultz, Alef dos Santos, Niketan Patel, Alexandre Soares Rosado
Scientific paperYear:2023ISSN:0970-4140
Extra Information
Journal of the Indian Institute of Science
Abstract
Discovering exoplanets and satellites in habitable zones
within and beyond our solar system has sparked intrigue in planetary
setting varieties that could support life. Based on our understanding of
life on Earth, we can shed light on the origin, evolution, and future of
Earth-like organisms in the galaxy and predict extinct or extant extraterrestrial life. Hence, extremophiles thriving in mimic outer space environments are particularly interesting as they exhibit traits that preponderate
our comprehension regarding the possibility of life elsewhere and in situ
life detection. Additionally, many extremophiles have been used for
astrobiological research model organisms to unveil native alien life or
possible life-produced metabolites outside Earth. Laboratory-based
simulation chambers mimic this outer space condition, helping researchers study life beyond Earth in near identical conditions and understand
molecular mechanisms for survival. This review summarizes relevant
studies with isolated microorganisms from extreme analog Earth environments, harnessing them as promising astrobiological model candidates
for pursuing life potentialities in other planetary bodies. We also highlight
the necessity of environmental simulation chamber approaches for mimicking extraterrestrial habitats.