Recently discovered single cells breathe rocket fuel
The perchlorate ion (perchlorate) is found in rocket fuel and its chemical reactions emit a lot of energy. It turns out that the pigeon is also used as food for an ancient type of life. A team of Dutch researchers reported in the April 5, 2013 issue of the journal Science that a type of archaeon—a single cell, which, as its name suggests, is a primitive creature distinct from bacteria—is able to thrive successfully on a superchlorinated diet. Archaeoglobus fulgidus (Archaeoglobus fulgidus, in the picture on the right) absorbs superchlorite ions, converts them into chloride ions, uses the energy emitted in the reaction and continues its life. These creatures thrive in volcanic vents at the bottom of the sea and in other areas on Earth where high temperatures prevail, such as oil reservoirs or hot rocks that boil water into steam. A. fulgidus and similar creatures may be responsible for the fact that this rocket fuel is no longer found on the surface of our planet.
It is the first archaeon found to be able to feed itself on perchlorate, but it is not the first single-celled creature to do so. There are bacteria that are able to perform the same chemical demonstration and even produce a special enzyme that helps them quickly break down the chloride ions formed in the reaction, which are otherwise harmful to the cells, and release oxygen as a byproduct. A. fulgidus, which cannot exist in the presence of oxygen, uses other chemical reactions to break down the chloride ions: it utilizes naturally occurring sulfur compounds in the environment. Thus a symbiotic relationship was created between the chemistry of life and the chemistry of the inanimate.
A. fulgidus is perhaps a remnant of the primitive life that existed on Earth even before photosynthesis developed. Once the photosynthetic algae caused the oxygen levels in the atmosphere to rise, the ancestors of A. fulgidus had to flee to the dark, deep, hot places of the planet.
Deposits of perchloric salts were also discovered on Mars at every site where the robotic spacecraft conducted tests. Does this mean that the toxic substance for humans is used as food for bacteria on Mars? This idea cannot be ruled out. There is no doubt that the surface temperature of Mars is too low for the particular creature discovered on Earth, and this may explain why this rocket fuel is so common there. But its discovery raises the possibility that another form of life may live deep beneath the superchlorinated salt-rich surface of Mars.
The article is published with the approval of Scientific American Israel
6 תגובות
Is this the oldest single cell we know?
What does his DNA look like? Maybe this is a clue to the beginning of life on Earth?
Probably most of the ancient life on Kdhua that existed before the change of the atmosphere of Kdhua, has become extinct...how can we then go over the traces of the first life?
Miracles, I agree. But in order to drag on a discussion, one must give a response as you wrote it and not attack the claimant as Assaf did, that's why I commented to him. After all, his response is extremely damaging and can even divert the discussion from a factual discussion about the subject of the article to a discussion of slandering the writers...
point
It is written in the article "That the substance toxic to humans is used as food for bacteria on Mars? This idea cannot be ruled out."
If you oppose this, you say "there is no chance of life on the surface of Mars, in any form". Where exactly does your security come from?
MouthHole
This also applies to your comment. The burden of proof is discharged on a point.
Or is Mr. Punkuta a realist?
Do you think he is wrong? Please present your claim as to why. You have no objections? So sit quietly and think about it, it's not polite
It seems that Mr. Point is a conservative person, probably an insurance agent, an official of the Ministry of Finance, or just a bitter person.
Let them stop confusing the brain about life on Mars. The writer's fantasies are not interesting.