Whether or not something ever lived on Mars is unknown. And the current setting, with harsh temperatures, intense radiation, and a sparse ambiance, isn’t precisely propitious for all times. Regardless of the pink planet’s brutality, lichens that inhabit a number of the harshest environments on Earth might probably survive there.

Lichens are symbionts, or two organisms which can be in a cooperative relationship. There’s a fungal part (most are about 90 p.c fungus) and a photosynthetic part (algae or cyanobacteria). To see if some species of lichen had what it takes to outlive on Mars, a staff of researchers led by botanist Kaja Skubała used the Area Analysis Heart of the Polish Academy of Sciences to reveal the lichen species Diploschistes muscorum and Cetrarea aculeata to simulate Mars situations.

“Our examine is the primary to show that the metabolism of the fungal companion in lichen symbiosis was energetic whereas being in a Mars-like setting,” the researchers mentioned in a study just lately printed in IMA Fungus. “X-rays related to photo voltaic flares and SEPs reaching Mars shouldn’t have an effect on the potential habitability of lichens on this planet.”

Martian ionizing radiation is threatening to most types of life as a result of it might trigger harm on the mobile degree. It might additionally get in the way in which of bodily, genetic, morphological, and biochemical processes, relying on the organism and radiation degree.

Going to extremes

Lichens have an edge relating to survival. They share traits with different organisms that may deal with excessive ranges of stress, together with a low metabolism, not needing a lot in the way in which of vitamin, and longevity. Very similar to tardigrades, lichens can keep in a desiccated state for prolonged durations till they’re rehydrated. Different lichen variations to excessive situations embrace metabolites that display screen out UV rays and melanin pigments that additionally defend in opposition to radiation.