Extraterrestrial Life On Mars And Europa: Extreme Microorganisms Possible Says Scientist

In this lecture, Dr Helga Stan-Lotter from the University of Salzburg, discusses extreme environments. These are characterized by physical and chemical parameters which were considered lying outside the range which is suitable for life. In recent years, the notion of what constitutes life-limiting conditions in an environment has undergone dramatic changes: microorganisms and occasionally higher organisms were discovered, which not only tolerate, but thrive under ranges of temperatures, pH values, pressures, salinity, ionizing radiation etc. previously thought to destruct biomolecules and organisms.

Credit: ESA

Some of the mechanisms responsible for these life styles are in the process of being elucidated. The presence of liquid water is a prerequisite for growth under all kinds of conditions; however, survival of resting stages, such as spores or dormant forms, was shown to occur in vacuum and in space conditions for several months.