Endolithic biofilms: a model for extraterrestrial ecological niches?

Wolfhart Pohl; Michael Hoppert; Christine Flies; Bettina Gunzl; Hans Ruppert; Juergen Schneider

doi:10.1117/12.375079

30 December 1999 Endolithic biofilms: a model for extraterrestrial ecological niches?

Wolfhart Pohl, Michael Hoppert, Christine Flies, Bettina Gunzl, Hans Ruppert, Juergen Schneider

Proceedings Volume 3755, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.375079
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

In natural ecosystems, bacteria, unicellular algae, filamentous and yeast-like fungi are often organized in thin films attached to or entrenched in substrata such as surfaces of solid rocks, minerals or larger organisms. Frequently the formation of a biofilm is the most successful survival strategy. Especially within endolithic biofilms micro-organisms actively create a safe niche to avoid extreme and thus harmful environmental conditions such as electromagnetic radiation, mechanical abrasion, water and temperature stress and hazardous chemical agents. Exemplary survival strategies are presented for bacteria, ascomycetes and green algae. On substrata without organic carbon sources, biofilms are composed of chemolithotrophic or phototrophic primary producers and heterotrophic organisms (including destruents).

Citation Download Citation

Wolfhart Pohl, Michael Hoppert, Christine Flies, Bettina Gunzl, Hans Ruppert, and Juergen Schneider "Endolithic biofilms: a model for extraterrestrial ecological niches?", Proc. SPIE 3755, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology II, (30 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.375079

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