JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2017

Presentation information

[JJ] Oral

H (Human Geosciences) » H-CG Complex & General

[H-CG34] [JJ] Systems of life in closed bio-ecosystems and planets

Sat. May 20, 2017 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM 202 (International Conference Hall 2F)

convener:Kaori Tomita-Yokotani(Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba), Shunta Kimura(Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba), Chairperson:Kaori Tomita-Yokotani(Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba)

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM

[HCG34-03] Growth and tolerance of a terrestrial cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp. HK-01 under harsh environment

*Shunta Kimura1, Kotomi Inoue1, Sosaku Ichikawa1, Kaori Tomita-Yokotani1 (1.Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba)

Keywords:Closed bio-ecosystems, Cyanobacteria, Dry heat tolerance, Martian regolith simulant, Nostoc sp. HK-01

A terrestrial cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp. HK-01, has several abilities; photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, utility as food, and tolerance to extraterrestrial environments. Nostoc sp. HK-01 may be utilized for biochemical circulation in closed bio-ecosystems, such as Mars. Tolerance to extraterrestrial environments are important for transportation to Mars. Akinetes, which are dormant cells of Nostoc sp. HK-01, are tolerant against dry heat, upto 100 oC for 10h. These results indicate that some functional substances which provide tolerance against heat exist in the akinete cells. Akinetes of Nostoc sp. HK-01 could be transported to Mars. Before we introduce Nostoc sp. HK-01 to Mars’ environments, we need to understand its growth in an environment with poor nutrition. We tested whether akinetes of HK-01 can grow using components of their dead cells or/and Martian regolith simulant. We will discuss the possibility that a colony of HK-01 can be grown in an environment with poor nutrition. Nostoc sp. HK-01 could contribute to soil formation from Martian regolith, so that plants could grow. Nostoc sp. HK-01 is a good candidate for an initial organism to introduce into the Martian environment.