NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)

1. Biosignatures in chemosynthetic and photosynthetic systems

   Project Investigators: Tori Hoehler

   Other Project Members

   Daniel Albert (Co-Investigator)

   David Blake (Co-Investigator)

   Alex Bradley (Doctoral Student)

   Don Canfield (Collaborator)

   Richard Castenholz (Co-Investigator)

   David Des Marais (5Co-Investigator)

   Nikolaus Finke (Postdoc)

   Erich Fleming (Doctoral Student)

   Stefan Green (Postdoc)

   Linda Jahnke (Co-Investigator)

   Victoria Orphan (Co-Investigator)

   Norman Pace (Collaborator)

   Mitchell Schulte (Co-Investigator)

   John Spear (Collaborator)

   Roger Summons (Collaborator)

   Bo Thamdrup (Collaborator)

   Allan Treiman (Co-Investigator)

   Pieter Visscher (Co-Investigator)

   Marilyn Vogel (Postdoc)

   Astrobiology Roadmap Objectives:

   • Objective 2: Develop and test plausible pathways by which ancient counterparts of membrane systems, proteins and nucleic acid were synthesized from simpler precursors and assembled into protocells.
   • Objective 4: Expand and interpret the genomic database of a select group of key microorganisms in order to reveal the history and dynamics of evolution.
   • Objective 5: Describe the sequences of causes and effects associated with the development of Earth's early biosphere and the global environment.
   • Objective 5: Describe the sequences of causes and effects associated with the development of Earth's early biosphere and the global environment.
   • Objective 6: Define how ecophysiological processes structure microbial communities, influence their adaptation and evolution, and affect their detection on other planets.
   • Objective 7: Identify the environmental limits for by examining biological adaptations to extremes in environmental conditions.
   • Objective 7: Identify the environmental limits for by examining biological adaptations to extremes in environmental conditions.

   Project Progress

   Our studies of photosynthetic microbial ecosystems has focused increasingly on the role of sulfate as (i) a key arbiter of the distribution and of photosynthetic energy across several possible biosignature classes (e.g., volatile vs. solid phase) and (ii) a critical influence on mechanisms of organic preservation in sulfate evaporite sedimentary systems that serve as analogs for sulfate-rich evaporates on Mars.
   We have imaged at micron resolution the lateral and vertical distributions of 34S/32S (an indicator of biological sulfur cycling and an important biosignature for interpreting Earth’s rock record), in the surface layer of an actively photosynthesizing microbial mat. We have developed a technique that links genetic identity to consumption of isotopically labeled substrates through micron-scale imagery. These imaging techniques will be combined with classical geochemical approaches to characterize extensively the oxidative sulfur cycle in microbial mats subjected to >1-year incubation (to be completed in the Fall of 2007) under sulfate concentrations similar to those in Archean seawater.
   We have documented the occurrence of approximately seven sulfate evaporite mineral microfacies that appear to be uniquely associated with biological mediators, based on lipid and microbial diversity assays conducted in parallel with the microfacies analysis.

   Our studies of chemosynthetic systems focused on understanding (i) the physical and chemical determinants of habitability in reference to rock-hosted chemosynthetic systems, and (ii) the possible biological templating of alteration minerals and cements associated with serpentinizing systems.
   We have developed a conceptual framework to quantify and link the various physical and chemical constraints on habitability, through their common effect on biological energy demand (in press, for publication as part of a “Follow the Energy” special issue of Astrobiology)

   We have documented the occurrence of finely-laminated dolomite (high-Mg carbonate) cements in the outflow of springs influenced by serpentizing host-rocks and are currently investigating the possible biological mediation accompanying their formation.

   Mission Involvement

   MER, MRO, MSL, MSR

   This investigation supports Mars science in several respects. Our work to understand habitability and biosignature formation in chemosynthetic systems will ultimately support the assessment of habitability by mineralogical means (the principal means presented by planned instrumentation on these missions), with respect both to preserved rocks and, potentially, the modern subsurface. It will also aid in assessing the biosignature preservation potential of rock types that may be encountered during landed Mars exploration. Lastly, it seeks to examine the mechanisms of production and degradation of molecular biosignatures in sulfate-rich hypersaline evaporitic conditions as a direct basis for interpreting any organic materials that may be found during exploration of comparable settings (e.g., Meridiani Planum) on Mars.

   Future Europa Missions

   Our work to define energy-based criteria for habitability will aid in the development of conceptual models that link geophysical and observational constraints to the putative habitability of a Europan ocean.

   TPF/Darwin

   Our work in photosynthetic systems is designed to directly understand the means by which biology transforms stellar energy into distinguishing atmospheric biosignatures. This work would directly support the interpretation of exoplanet atmosphere composition, with an emphasis on life detection.

   Field Expeditions

   Name

   Baja April 2007

   Dates

   4/19/2007 - 4/19/2007

   Location

   N 27 degrees 40 minutes W 113 degrees 55 minutes

   Description

   Focus on characterization of microbial communities, geochemical cycling, and biomarker dynamics in a high-sulfate evaporitic system.

   Name

   Earth's Extremophiles: Implications for Life in the Solar System

   Dates

   7/22/2007 - 7/29/2007

   Location

   ~44 N ~ 110 W

   Description

   Teacher training and research workshop emphasizing field study of life in extreme environments. Sample collection and analyses in the field, laboratory study, and informative presentations. See http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/fieldtrips/2007/

   Cross-Team Collaborations

   Work on both the photosynthetic and chemosynthetic systems aspects of this work have been conducted in conjunction with members of the Colorado NAI team. Research on biomarker formation/degradation in gypsum-hosted endolithic communities in Baja California is being coordinated with an effort on the part of ARC collaborator and CU team member John Spear to do an exhaustive characterization of microbial diversity within those communities. Work in modeling the energetic habitability of hydrothermal systems is being conducted in conjunction with Tom McCollom of the CU team.

   In collaboration with members of the CIW team (A. Steele, M. Fogel, and others), ARC team members Blake, Treiman, and Hoehler are engaged in MSL testbed activities and mineralogy studies relevant to Mars exploration in Spitzbergen, Norwegian Arctic. This effort has resulted in successful deployment and operation of CheMin (an instrument that will fly on MSL09) in a geologically diverse field setting, with a paper submitted on this work.

Publications

Arvidson, R.E., Squyres, S.W., Anderson, R.C., Bell III, J.F., Brückner, J., Cabrol, N.A., Calvin, W.M., Carr, M.H., Christensen, P.R., Clark, B.C., Crumpler, L., Des Marais, D.J. & , e.a.  (2006).  Overview of the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover Mission to Gusev Crater: Landing site to the Methuselah outcrop in the Columbia hills.  Journal of Geophysical Research, III(E2):E02501.

Bertaux, J.-L., Carr, M., Des Marais, D.J. & Gaidos, E.  (In Press, 2007).  Conversations on the habitability of worlds: the importance of volatiles.  In: K.E. Fishbaugh, D.J. Des Marais, O. Korablev, L. ognonne P. & F. Raulin (Eds.).  Geology and Habitability of Terrestrial Planets, Space Science Series of ISSI.  Springer.

Blank, J.G., Blake, D.F., Green, S.J., Brinley, A.I., Jahnke, L.L., Kubo, M.D., Hoehler, T.M. & Des Marais, D.J.  (2006).  Biogeochemistry of Ca-Mg Carbonate Cements Associated with Ophiolite-Hosted Cold Springs, Coast Range, California, USA [ABSTRACT].  Geo. Soc. Am. Abstracts with Programs, 38:505.

Blank, J.G., alley J.W., V., H., T.A., ita N., K. & F., B.D.  (2007).  Oxygen isotope variation in Ca-Mg carbonate cements in the California Coast Range Ophiolite: Geochemistry of Martian Analog environments [ABSTRACT].  Lunar & Planet Sci. Conf., 38:2150.

Blank, J.G., ita N., K., alley J.W., V., H., T.A. & lake D.F., B.  (2007).  In-situ Measurement of Oxygen Isotope Variation in Finely Laminated Carbonate Cements Using the CAMECA IMS-1280 [ABSTRACT].  20th Annual Workshop on SIMS:42.

Blank, J.G., obson P.F., D. & lake D.F., B.  (2007).  Ophiolites as Mars analogs: An example in the Del Puerto Canyon, California Coast Range [ABSTRACT].  2° Intl. Workshop Exploring Mars and its Earth Analogs, Treno Italy 18-22 June 2007:17.

Blank, J.G., Valley, J.W., Kita, N.T., Treiman, A.H. & Blake, D.F.  (2007).  In-situ measurement of oxygen isotope variation in finely laminated carbonate cements using the CAMECA IMS-1280. [abstract].  20th Annual Workshop on SIMS., 20.

Bradley, A.S., Grover, H., Londry, K. & Summons, R.E.  (2006).  Fractionation of carbon isotopes in Methanosarcina barkeri [Abstract].  Geochemica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70(18):A62.

Des Marais, D.J.  (2006).  Potential lifestyles in ancient environments of Gusev crater, Mars. [Abstract].  16th Annual V. M. Goldschmidt Conference.  Melbourne, Australia.

Des Marais, D.J.  (2006).  Exploring Mars broadens the biogeosciences into the realm of astrobiology. [Abstract].  Carl Sagan Lecture, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.  San Francisco, CA.

Des Marais, D.J.  (2007).  Assessing the potential for ancient habitable environments in Gusev crater, Mars. (Abstract).  Seventh International Conference on Mars, Pasadena, CA, July 9-13, 2007:54.

Des Marais, D.J.  (In Press, 2006).  Advancing astrobiology beyond Viking, Spirit and Opportunity.  AIAA Space 2006 Conference Proceedings.

Des Marais, D.J. & , A.  (2007).  Assessing the potential for ancient habitable environments in Mars? Gusev crater. [Abstract].  AAAS Annual Meeting:87.  San Francisco.

Des Marais, D.J. & , A.  (2007).  Mars Exploration Rovers and water. [Abstract].  Bioastronomy 2007.  San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Des Marais, D.J. & Morrison, D.  (2007).  The new Mars: habitability of a neighbor world. [Abstract].  AAAS Annual Meeting:86.  San Francisco.

Dupraz, C. & Visscher, P.T.  (2007).  Keynote: Microbially mediated carbonate cycle in microbial mats and biofilms.  Proceedings, 4th ASM Conference on Biofilms. Quebec, Canada.

Fike, D., Gammon, C., Ussler, B. & Orphan, V.  (In Preparation, 2007).  Micron resolution of sulfur cycling in a microbial mat.  Nature.

Fike, D., Ussler, B., Eiler, J., Guan, Y. & Orphan, V.  (In Press, 2007).  Micron resolution of sulfur cycling in a microbial mat.  Goldschmidt abstract.

Finke, N., Hoehler, T.M. & Jørgensen, B.B.  (2007).  Hydrogen 'leakage' during methanogenesis from methanol and methylamine: implications for anaerobic carbon degradation pathways in aquatic sediments.  Environmental Microbiology, 9:1060-1071.

Fishbaugh, K.E., Des Marais, D.J., Korablev, O., Lognonne, P. & Raulin, F.  (In Press, 2007).  In Geology and Habitability of Terrestrial Planets, Space Science Series of ISSI.  In: K.E. Fishbaugh, D.J. Des Marais, O. Korablev, P. Lognonne & F. Raulin (Eds.).  .  Springer.

Fleming, E.D., Bebout, B.M. & Castenholz, R.W.  (2007).  Effects of salinity and light intensity on the resumption of photosynthesis in a rehydrated cyanobacterial mat from Baja California Sur, Mexico.  J. Phycology, 43(1):15-24.

Fleming, E.D. & Castenholz, R.W.  (2007).  Effects of periodic desiccation on the synthesis of the UV-screening compound, scytonemin, in cyanobacteria.  Environ. Microbiol., 9(6):1448-1455.

Fries, M. & Treiman, A.H.  (Submitted, 2007).  Fast mineralogy and astrobiological assessment of a Martian analogue field site by portable Raman spectroscopy.  Astrobiology.

Hausrath, E.M., Treiman, A.H., Bish, D.L., Blake, D., Sarrazin, P., Hoehler, T., Vicenzi, E., Midtkandl, I., Steele, A. & Brantley, S.L.  (Submitted, 2007).  Short and long-term olivine weathering in Svalbard, and implications for Mars,.  Astrobiology.

Hines, M.E., Visscher, P.T., Teske, A.P. & Devereux, R.  (2007).  Sulfur Cycling.  In: C.J. Hurst, R.L. Crawford, J.L. Garland, D.A. Lipson, M. ills A.L. & L.D. Stetzenbach (Eds.).  Manual of Environmental Microbiology (pp. 618-639).  ASM Press.

Hoehler, T.M.  (Accepted, 2007).  An energy balance concept of habitability.  Astrobiology.

Hoehler, T.M., Amend, J.P. & Shock, E.L.  (Accepted, 2007).  A ?follow the energy? approach for astrobiology.  Astrobiology.

Jahnke, L.L., Embaye, T. & Green, S.J.  (2006).  Cyanobacterial biomarker lipids in hypersaline microbial mats and environmental adaptation. ABSTRACT.  Astrobiology, 6:151-152.

Jahnke, L.L. & Summons, R.E.  (2006).  Compound-specific isotope analysis of cyanobacterial pure cultures and microbial mats: effects of photorespiration? ABSTRACT FOR INVITED TALK.  Abstracts of 16th Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conference, Australia..

Lehr, C.R., Frank, S.D., D'Imperio, S., Kalinin, A.V., Toplin, J.A., orris T.B., N., Castenholz, R.W. & McDermott, T.R.  (2007).  Cyanidial (Cyanidiales) Population Diversity and Dynamics in an Acid-Sulfate Chloride Spring in Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park.  J. Phycology, 43(1):3-14.

Li, R., Archinal, B.A., Arvidson, R.E., Bell, J., Christensen, P., Crumpler, L., Des Marais, D.J. & , e.a.  (2006).  Rover localization and topographic mapping at the landing side of Gusev Crater, Mars.  Journal of Geophysical Research, 111:E02S06.

Li, R., Di, K., Wu, B., Chen, W., Maimone, M.W., Matthies, L.H., Richter, L., Kirk, R., Sullivan, R., Crumpler, L., Parker, T., Des Marais, D.J., Arvidson, R., Sims, M.H., Squyres, S. & , A.  (2007).  Over three years of rover localization and topographic mapping for MER 2003 mission. [Abstract].  Seventh International Conference on Mars:10.  Pasadena, CA.

Londry, K.L., Dawson, K.G., Grover, H.D., Summons, R.E. & Bradley, A.S.  (Submitted, 2007).  Stable carbon isotope fractionation between four substrates of Methanosarcina barkeri and its products.  Organic Geochemistry.

Love, G.D., Fike, D.A., Grosjean, E., Stalvies, C., Grotzinger, J., Bradley, A.S., Bowring, S., Condon, D. & Summons, R.E.  (2006).  Constraining the timing of basal metazoan radiation using molecular biomarkers and U-Pb isotope dating [Abstract].  Geochemica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70(18):A371.

Martinez, A., Bradley, A.S., Waldbauer, J.R., Summons, R.E. & DeLong, E.F.  (2007).  Proteorhodopsin photosystem gene expression enables photophosphorylation in a heterologous host.  PNAS, 104(13):5590-5595.

McCanta, M.C., Treiman, A.H. & Essene, E.J.  (2006).  LAP 04840: An amphibole-bearing R-chondrite. [abstract].  Meteorit. Planet. Sci., 41:Abstract #5376..

McSween, H.Y., Wyatt, M.B., Gellert, R., Bell III, J.F., Morris, R.V., Herkenhoff, K.E., Crumpler, L.S., Milam, K.A., Stockstill, K.R., Tornabene, L., Arvidson, R.E., Bartlett, P., Blaney, D., Cabrol, N.A., Christensen, P.R., Clark, B.C., Crisp, J.A., Des Marais, D.J. & , e.a.  (2006).  Characterization and petrologic interpretation of olivine-rich basalts at Gusev Crater, Mars.  Journal of Geophysical Research, 111:E02S10.

Meyer-Dombard, D.R., Bradley, A.S., Havig, J.R., Raymond, J., Amend, J.P., Shock, E.L. & Summons, R.E.  (2006).  Biogeochemistry of silicious biofilms in geothermal ecosystems.  Geochemica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70(18):A418.

Miller, S.R., Castenholz, R.W. & Pedersen, D.  (In Press, 2007).  Phylogeography of the thermophilic cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus.  Applied Environ. Microbiol..

Norris, T.B. & Castenholz, R.W.  (2006).  Endolithic photosynthetic communities within ancient and recent travertine deposits in Yellowstone National Park.  FEMS Microbiol. Ecol., 57(3):470-483.

Orphan, V., Jahnke, L., Embaye, T., Turk, K., Pernthalerk, A. & Des Marais, D.J.  (In Preparation, 2007).  Characterization and spatial distribution of methanogens and methanogenic biosignatures in hypersaline microbial mats.  Geobiology Journal.

Parenteau, M.N., Cady, S.L., Jahnke, L.L. & Pierson, B.K.  (2006).  Role of iron in the preservation of phototrophic cells: An example from a modern thermophilic community at Chocolate Pots hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, USA, ABSTRACT.  EOS Transactions AGU Fall Meeting Supplement, 87(52):B14B-06.

Rios-Velazques, C., Visscher, P.T. & Casillas-Martinez, L.  (2007).  Learning geomicrobiology as a team using microbial mats: A multidisciplinary approach.  J. Microbiol. Biol. Ed., 8:42-51.

Summons, R.E., Bradley, A.S., Jahnke, L.L. & Waldbauer, J.R.  (2006).  Steroids, triterpenoids and molecular oxygen.  Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 361:951-968.

Treiman, A.H., M, A.C., Essene E. J., A.C. & McCanta, M.C.  (2007).  The amphibole-phlogopite R-chondrite LAP 04840: Hot hydration by heavy H2O,.  Lunar Planet. Sci., XXXVIII:Abstract #1309.

Treiman, A.H., McCanta, M.C. & Essene, E.J.  (2006).  The amphibole-bearing bhondrite meteorite LAP04840: Metamorphism and 'Tectonics' in a hydrous asteroid [abstract].  EOS Trans. AGU, 87:Abstract #7854..

Visscher, P.T.  (2006).  Keynote: Microbes and minerals through time and space: A complex interplay of populations, processes and products [ABSTRACT].  Proceedings, 17th Internat. Sedimentology Congress, Fukuoka, 2006.

Visscher, P.T.  (2007).  Keynote: Microbial carbonates: Bacterial metabolism, exopolymeric secretions and communication?.  Proceedings, European Geosciences Union.

Visscher, P.T.  (In Press, 2007).  Stromatolites.  In: C.R. Crumley (Ed.).  Encyclopedia of Tide Pools and the Rocky Shore (pp. 551-554).  The University of California Press.

Vogel, M.B., Des Marais, D.J., Jahnke, L.L., Turk, K.A.. & Kubo, M.D.  (2006).  Organic geochemistry of endoevaporitic environments: Ecological interpretations of lipid biomarkers from gypsum crystallizers as the E.S.S.A. Salt Works, Guerrero Negro, Baja, Mexico.  EOS Transactions AGU Fall Meeting Supplement, 87(52):B11D-07.

Vogel, M.B., Des Marais, D.J., Jahnke, L.L., Turk, K.A. & Kubo, M.D.  (In Press, 2007).  Biosignatures In Sulfates: Textures, Composition and Biogenic Fabrics From Gypsum Deposits of Guerrero Negro, Baja Sur, Mexico.  BAR Field Workshop, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.