Modeling Microbial Growth Dynamics Under Variable Extraterrestrial Conditions
Advisor: Melanie R. Mormile, mmormile@mst.edu
Description
The search for extraterrestrial life is hindered by the inability to directly study potential organisms in extraterrestrial environments. A predictive model for microbial growth dynamics was constructed with known environmental conditions and environmental requirements for a suspected organism. Employing the logistic model, the growth rate was modulated through a fitness score defined by the degree to which the organism’s needs overlap with the environmental conditions. This modulation changes the model by only allowing growth when the conditions are suitable, and penalizing mismatch. By allowing environmental conditions to vary in time, growth curves for an organism in a volatile environment can be produced. Similarly, the organism’s needs can vary in time, allowing for adaptation. This enables the creation of organism classes based on adaptation rates, and environmental classes based on volatility. These classifications simplify the model, allowing pairings to be studied, further aiding in the search for life beyond Earth.
Modeling Microbial Growth Dynamics Under Variable Extraterrestrial Conditions
Havener Center, Miner Lounge / Wiese Atrium, 1:30pm-3:30pm
The search for extraterrestrial life is hindered by the inability to directly study potential organisms in extraterrestrial environments. A predictive model for microbial growth dynamics was constructed with known environmental conditions and environmental requirements for a suspected organism. Employing the logistic model, the growth rate was modulated through a fitness score defined by the degree to which the organism’s needs overlap with the environmental conditions. This modulation changes the model by only allowing growth when the conditions are suitable, and penalizing mismatch. By allowing environmental conditions to vary in time, growth curves for an organism in a volatile environment can be produced. Similarly, the organism’s needs can vary in time, allowing for adaptation. This enables the creation of organism classes based on adaptation rates, and environmental classes based on volatility. These classifications simplify the model, allowing pairings to be studied, further aiding in the search for life beyond Earth.
