A sulfur-based survival strategy for putative phototrophic life in the venusian atmosphere.

Abstract:

:Several observations indicate that the cloud deck of the venusian atmosphere may provide a plausible refuge for microbial life. Having originated in a hot proto-ocean or been brought in by meteorites from Earth (or Mars), early life on Venus could have adapted to a dry, acidic atmospheric niche as the warming planet lost its oceans. The greatest obstacle for the survival of any organism in this niche may be high doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here we make the argument that such an organism may utilize sulfur allotropes present in the venusian atmosphere, particularly S(8), as a UV sunscreen, as an energy-converting pigment, or as a means for converting UV light to lower frequencies that can be used for photosynthesis. Thus, life could exist today in the clouds of Venus.

journal_name

Astrobiology

journal_title

Astrobiology

authors

Schulze-Makuch D,Grinspoon DH,Abbas O,Irwin LN,Bullock MA

doi

10.1089/153110704773600203

keywords:

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2004-04-01 00:00:00

pages

11-8

issue

1

eissn

1531-1074

issn

1557-8070

journal_volume

4

pub_type

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