The Biophysical Effects of Mars Relevant Perchlorate Salts on Biological Macromolecules
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The question as to whether Mars currently harbours life is one that has vexed scientists for decades. By examining the biophysics of biological macromolecules under the extreme environmental conditions that are predicted to be present on Mars, I hope to further our understanding of Martian habitability and the possibilities of biochemistry. The first biomolecule under investigation is the model enzyme alpha chymotrypsin and how it responds to the presence of Mars relevant perchlorate salts across pressure and temperature gradients. Further work will also investigate the biophysical response of lipid membranes to these conditions.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Charles Cockell (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Stewart Gault (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513209/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2223604 | Studentship | EP/R513209/1 | 01/09/2018 | 28/02/2022 | Stewart Gault |
| Description | On Mars, the presence of perchorate salts is typically considered to hamper the possibility of extant life. This is due to the fact that most cells tolerate very little amounts of these salts and that they have the potential to prevent biomolecules from functioning properly. However what has been shown through this research is that environmental factors such as temperature and pressure can actually change how perchlorate salts affect enzymes. It was found that high pressures can still increase enzyme activity even in the presence of perchlorate salts. It has also been demonstrated that perchlorate salts actually increase enzyme activity at low temperatures as apposed to the decreased activity which they cause at room temperature. In combination these results suggest that biochemistry may be more possible in perchlorate brines than previously thought. |
| Exploitation Route | These findings present a basis from which research can begin to probe the incredibly low temperatures expected on Mars. Future research would explore the feasibility of biochemical reactions at high pressures and temperatures of around 210K in combination. Projects could also examine whether chaotropic agents can extend the low temperature viability of whole cells. |
| Sectors | Other |
| Description | High pressure biochemistry in the presence of perchlorate salts |
| Organisation | Technical University of Dortmund |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I contributed by conducting enzyme kinetics experiments and contributing to the production of research manuscripts. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners provided access to high pressure biophysics equipment, conducted strucutral biology experiments and provided their general expertise. |
| Impact | Our collaboration has resulted in the publication of our manuscript "High pressures increase a-chymotrypsin enzyme activity under perchlorate stress" in Communcations Biology. The collaboration has also resulted in three other research projects which are at different stages in their development. |
| Start Year | 2018 |