Can tiny moss help realize “interstellar migration”?

Produced by: Science Popularization China

Author: Guo Fei (Yantai University)

Producer: China Science Expo

Recently, a research team from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences published an exciting research result in the journal "Innovation", revealing the amazing survival ability of a desert plant called "Syntrichia caninervis". This seemingly insignificant little life may actually become a powerful assistant for humans to conquer Mars!

This groundbreaking research not only refreshes our understanding of the limits of life, but also provides a green hope for humanity's future interstellar migration plans. Let us follow the footsteps of Chinese scientists and uncover the mystery of this "green elf" from the driest corner of the earth.

The study is featured on the cover of the current issue of the journal

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The "Green Elves" in the Desert: The Wonderful World of Erythromyces serrulates

In the most incredible places on earth, there is always life growing tenaciously. Deserts are dry, hot and barren, but it is precisely such extreme environments that give birth to a magical plant - Erythromyces serrulates.

Distribution of Erythromyces dentata

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If a green carpet suddenly appears in a seemingly lifeless sea of ​​sand, it is likely to be biological soil crust (BSC), and Erythromyces dentata is one of the protagonists. They form a micro-ecosystem with other microorganisms, becoming an "oasis" in the desert.

Not only can the tooth-ribbed mosses survive in the desert, they are also quietly changing the surrounding environment. They are like natural "sponges" that can absorb and store scarce water. At the same time, they are also "architects" in the desert, gluing loose sand grains together through secretions to increase soil stability. Even more amazing is that these small plants are also "nitrogen fertilizer plants" in the desert, which can fix nitrogen in the atmosphere and inject nutrients into the barren desert soil.

Erythromyces dentata community in the Gurbantunggut Desert

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An artist of survival: the extreme survival ability of Erythromyces dentata

If life is an art performance, then Erythromyces dentata is definitely a master of acrobatics. It does not display elegant ballet, but thrilling survival skills. Let's take a look at some of the unique skills of this "survival artist":

The magic of dehydration : What would happen if humans lost 98% of their water? The consequences are probably unimaginable. But Erythromyces dentata can remain in a state of "suspended death" after losing more than 98% of its cellular water. At this time, their cells will quickly synthesize special sugars and proteins to form a protective film that wraps up important structures such as the cell nucleus, just like putting on an "anti-dehydration coat" for the cells. What's even more amazing is that with just a drop of water, it can "revive" in a few seconds and resume photosynthesis and other physiological activities.

Rapid recovery after dehydration

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Frozen time capsule : Can you imagine living in a freezer at -80℃ for 5 years, or soaking in liquid nitrogen at -196℃ for a month? For Erythromyces serrulatus, this is not a problem at all! It can enter a "hibernation" state in such extreme low temperatures and wake up again when conditions are suitable. If it is just a general harsh environment, Erythromyces serrulatus can also quickly adjust its metabolism according to the environment. Under adverse conditions, it can shut down most metabolic activities and concentrate its energy on maintaining basic survival.

Radiation protection suit : In our world, 5000Gy of gamma radiation is enough to turn most organisms into ashes, but Erythromyces dentata can still survive such a high dose of radiation.

The reason is that in the face of strong radiation, Erythromyces serrulatus produces a large amount of antioxidant substances, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. These substances form a powerful antioxidant defense network, just like a "protective shield" for plant cells, ensuring that they can stand firm in the storm of nuclear radiation. In addition, Erythromyces serrulatus also has an efficient DNA repair system. It can quickly identify and repair damaged DNA, like a "DNA emergency team" on call 24 hours a day.

Mars survival show : What would happen if Erythromyces dentata was placed in a simulated Martian environment? Surprisingly, it not only survived, but also grew new plants! Faced with lack of oxygen, extreme dryness, low temperatures and strong ultraviolet radiation, this tiny organism showed amazing resilience. It is like a miniature "Mars special forces soldier", ready to open up new territory on the red planet at any time.

In addition, the genome of Erythromyces serrulates has amazing plasticity. It can quickly activate or inhibit the expression of certain genes according to environmental pressure. This elasticity of gene expression allows it to better adapt to various extreme environments.

The many amazing "abilities" of Erythromyces dentata

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Interstellar pioneers: the extraterrestrial potential of Erythromyces dentata

As we look to the vast universe and think about how humans can build homes on other planets, Erythromyces serrulates may become our right-hand man. Its extreme survival ability makes it an ideal "interstellar pioneer."

Imagine a patch of Erythromyces serrulates quietly growing in an ecological cabin on the surface of Mars. Not only can they adapt to the harsh environment of Mars, but they can also gradually change the surrounding soil structure and create conditions for the growth of other plants. They are like green pioneers on Mars, paving the way for human immigration.

The role of Erythromyces dentata is not limited to this. They may also become a miniature "oxygen factory" on Mars. Through photosynthesis, these small plants can produce oxygen, providing a valuable source of life for future Mars bases. At the same time, they can also fix carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contribute to the transformation of the atmosphere of Mars.

Erythromyces dentata may also become a "bioindicator" on Mars. By observing their growth in the Martian environment, scientists can better understand the environmental characteristics of Mars and provide important references for subsequent exploration and transformation.

Experimental device to simulate extraterrestrial environment

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From the desert to the stars: insights from the study of Erythromyces dentata

The study of Erythromyces dentata is not only of great significance to extraterrestrial exploration, but also has a profound impact on our understanding of life on Earth. It shows us the resilience and adaptability of life and gives us a new understanding of the limits of life's possible existence.

This research also provides inspiration for how we can cope with environmental challenges on Earth. For example, the drought resistance mechanism of Erythromyces serrulates may provide new ideas for breeding drought-resistant crops, and their ability to stabilize soil and improve soil environment may also be used to control desertification.

Dehydrated, hydrated, and frozen Erythromyces dentata (from left to right)

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The study of Erythromyces dentata also provides us with a new perspective to explore the origin of life. Its extreme survival ability makes us wonder: the early earth environment may be more severe than we imagined, but life tenaciously sprouted and evolved in such an environment.

The story of Erythromyces dentata tells us that even the most insignificant life may contain unlimited potential. It reminds us to protect every life on Earth, because we never know which organism will be the key to the future development of mankind. Let us look forward to this "green elf" from the desert blooming the miracle of life on a distant planet!

References:

1.Keith Cowing, The Extremotolerant Desert Moss Syntrichia caninervis Is A Promising Pioneer Plant For Colonizing Extraterrestrial Environments

2.Xiaoshuang Li et. al., The extremotolerant desert moss Syntrichia caninervis is a promising pioneer plant for colonizing extraterrestrial environments