He admits that it sounds like science fiction, but an ANU scientist says a "Jekyll and Hyde" bacteria that has been on Earth for more than 2.5 billion years could help humans colonise Mars and search for aliens.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australian National University scientists have worked with research institutions in Italy, France and the UK on a study that found Chroococcidiopsis, a type of cyanobacteria, could be used to create oxygen and a biosphere to sustain human life on the red planet.
"This might sound like science fiction, but space agencies and private companies around the world are actively trying to turn this aspiration into reality in the not-too-distant future," emeritus professor Elmars Krausz said.
"Photosynthesis could theoretically be harnessed with these types of organisms to create air for humans to breathe on Mars."
Professor Krausz said cyanobacteria had been found growing in harsh environments like Antarctica and the Mojave Desert, and had even survived on the outside of the International Space Station.
He said he had been studying photosynthesis processes for more than 20 years, and was amazed by what he found during the study.
"Under normal light, [Chroococcidiopsis] is completely normal," he said.
"But when it's in dim, red light, it puts on another pair of jeans and actually uses a different chlorophyll and a different mechanism for photosynthesis."
Professor Krausz said the bacteria's ability to thrive in low light meant it could grow under rocks and potentially survive on Mars, where it might be able to create oxygen, soil and an atmosphere.
"It's a Jekyll and Hyde thing that's really shocked us, because this very primitive organism is doing photosynthesis in a way no other known organism is doing it," he said.
Australian National University PhD student Jennifer Morton, a co-author of the study, said the bacteria could also provide clues about life on other planets.
Ms Morton said the study identified "red" chlorophylls as critical components of photosynthesis in low-light conditions.
She said this redefined the minimum energy needed to drive photosynthesis - the process by which plants and other organisms make and store energy from light to produce oxygen.
"Searching for the signature fluorescence from these pigments could help identify extra-terrestrial life," Ms Morton said.
The research project was led by scientists from Imperial College in London. The findings have been published in the journal Science.
