Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The primary aim of this review is to highlight that sea-ice microbes would be capable of occupying ice-associated biological niches on Europa and Enceladus. These moons are compelling targets for astrobiological exploration because of the inferred presence of subsurface oceans that have persisted over geological timescales. Although potentially hostile to life in general, Europa and Enceladus may still harbour biologically permissive domains associated with the ice, ocean and seafloor environments. However, validating sources of free energy is challenging, as is qualifying possible metabolic processes or ecosystem dynamics. Here, the capacity for biological adaptation exhibited by microorganisms that inhabit sea ice is reviewed. These ecosystems are among the most relevant Earth-based analogues for considering life on ocean worlds because microorganisms must adapt to multiple physicochemical extremes. In future, these organisms will likely play a significant role in defining the constraints on habitability beyond Earth and developing a mechanistic framework that contrasts the limits of Earth's biosphere with extra-terrestrial environments of interest.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Martin, A and McMinn, A
Keywords:	astrobiology, extremophiles, microorganisms, sea ice, ocean worlds
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Astrobiology
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	1473-5504
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550416000483
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2017 Cambridge University Press
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Martin, A UTAS Profile: Martin, A Google Scholar: McMinn, A UTAS Profile: McMinn, A
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page