Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biochemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Mormile, Melanie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
UMR Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
The surface of Mars is exposed to high levels of solar and galactic cosmic ray irradiation. Thus, microorganisms that could possibly survive in the shallow subsurface of Mars would likely be radio tolerant. To better understand microorganisms that might reside in this environment of Mars, a number of isolates were obtained from a gamma-radiation source {137Cs) located on the UMR campus. Radiation sensitivity assays were performed on the isolates as well as on the common bacterium, E. coli. The E. coli did not survive exposures of 100 to 200 Gy while the isolate designated 18-1 survived. Another isolate, Cont-1, that can withstand the highest exposures tested, is able to degrade agar. Further study of these isolates and similar organisms will enhance our knowledge of these unique extremophilic bacteria and might provide insight into the microorganisms that could be present on Mars.
Biography
Jacob is a senior attending the University of Missouri-Rolla majoring in Biochemical Engineering and Biological Sciences. He is the son of Jake Elmer and Valerie Rivera and is from Cocoa Beach, FL. On campus he is involved in Omega Chi Sigma, Phi Sigma, and the Helix Biological Society. He is currently employed as a LEAD PLA for Cale I and II and enjoys fishing. Jacob will pursue a career in Biomolecular Engineering.
Research Category
Natural Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
Presentation Date
11 April 2007, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Radiotolerance of Microorganisms Isolated from the UMR Reactor
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
The surface of Mars is exposed to high levels of solar and galactic cosmic ray irradiation. Thus, microorganisms that could possibly survive in the shallow subsurface of Mars would likely be radio tolerant. To better understand microorganisms that might reside in this environment of Mars, a number of isolates were obtained from a gamma-radiation source {137Cs) located on the UMR campus. Radiation sensitivity assays were performed on the isolates as well as on the common bacterium, E. coli. The E. coli did not survive exposures of 100 to 200 Gy while the isolate designated 18-1 survived. Another isolate, Cont-1, that can withstand the highest exposures tested, is able to degrade agar. Further study of these isolates and similar organisms will enhance our knowledge of these unique extremophilic bacteria and might provide insight into the microorganisms that could be present on Mars.
