Bacterial Pigments: Examining their potential role as cryo- and ultraviolet radiation protectants

PI: Christine Foreman, Montana State University

The Polar Regions on Earth provide important analogs to conditions on Mars; and Mars is currently in the forefront of the search for extra-terrestrial microbial life forms.  The Martian surface is a harsh and inhospitable environment for the survival of life, specifically due to the high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and extreme cold temperatures.  With the discovery of stratospheric ozone depletion over high- and mid-latitude areas and the subsequent increase in UV radiation on the Earth's surface, research is needed to understand the effects of solar radiation on organisms.  This work focuses on the accumulation of pigments in heterotrophic bacteria and their potential function as UV and cryo-protectants.