Researchers from Tomsk State University (TSU) were the first in the world to isolate a bacterium from deep groundwater that could theoretically exist on Mars.
We are talking about the organism Desulforudis audaxviator: translated from Latin, this name means "brave traveler". It is noted that scientists from different countries have been βhuntingβ for this bacterium for more than 10 years.
The named organism is able to receive energy in conditions of complete absence of light and oxygen. The bacterium was found in the underground waters of a thermal spring located in the Verkhneketsky district of the Tomsk region.
βSampling was carried out at a depth of 1,5 to 3 kilometers, where there is neither light nor oxygen. Not so long ago, it was believed that life under these conditions is impossible, since without light there is no photosynthesis, which underlies all food chains. But it turned out that this assumption was erroneous, βTSU said in a statement.
Studies have shown that the bacterium divides once every 28 hours, that is, almost daily. It is practically omnivorous: the body is able to consume sugar, alcohol and much more. In addition, it turned out that oxygen, which at first was considered detrimental to the underground microbe, does not kill it.
More information about the study can be found here.
Source: 3dnews.ru