Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results
The Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment on the surface of Mars produced data consistent with a biological interpretation. In considering the plausibility of this interpretation, terrestrial life forms were identified which could serve as models for Martian microbial life. Prominent...
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ftnasantrs:oai:casi.ntrs.nasa.gov:19790022948 2023-05-15T13:36:56+02:00 Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results Levin, G. V. Unclassified, Unlimited, Publicly available Jun 19, 1979 application/pdf http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19790022948 unknown Document ID: 19790022948 Accession ID: 79N31119 http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19790022948 No Copyright CASI LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION NASA-CR-162149 1979 ftnasantrs 2019-07-21T05:02:40Z The Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment on the surface of Mars produced data consistent with a biological interpretation. In considering the plausibility of this interpretation, terrestrial life forms were identified which could serve as models for Martian microbial life. Prominent among these models are lichens which are known to survive for years in a state of cryptobiosis, to grow in hostile polar environments, to exist on atmospheric nitrogen as sole nitrogen source, and to survive without liquid water by absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. Another model is derived from the endolithic bacteria found in the dry Antarctic valleys; preliminary experiments conducted with samples of these bacteria indicate that they produce positive LR responses approximating the Mars results. However, because of the hositility of the Martian environment to life, and the failure to find organics on the surface of Mars, a number of nonbiological explanations were advanced to account for the Viking LR data. A reaction of the LR nutrient with putative surface hydrogen peroxide is the leading candidate. Other possibilities raised include reactions caused by or with ultraviolet irradiation, gamma-Fe2O3, metalloperoxides or superoxides. Other/Unknown Material Antarc* Antarctic NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) Antarctic |
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
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ftnasantrs |
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LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION |
spellingShingle |
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION Levin, G. V. Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
topic_facet |
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION |
description |
The Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment on the surface of Mars produced data consistent with a biological interpretation. In considering the plausibility of this interpretation, terrestrial life forms were identified which could serve as models for Martian microbial life. Prominent among these models are lichens which are known to survive for years in a state of cryptobiosis, to grow in hostile polar environments, to exist on atmospheric nitrogen as sole nitrogen source, and to survive without liquid water by absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. Another model is derived from the endolithic bacteria found in the dry Antarctic valleys; preliminary experiments conducted with samples of these bacteria indicate that they produce positive LR responses approximating the Mars results. However, because of the hositility of the Martian environment to life, and the failure to find organics on the surface of Mars, a number of nonbiological explanations were advanced to account for the Viking LR data. A reaction of the LR nutrient with putative surface hydrogen peroxide is the leading candidate. Other possibilities raised include reactions caused by or with ultraviolet irradiation, gamma-Fe2O3, metalloperoxides or superoxides. |
format |
Other/Unknown Material |
author |
Levin, G. V. |
author_facet |
Levin, G. V. |
author_sort |
Levin, G. V. |
title |
Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
title_short |
Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
title_full |
Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
title_fullStr |
Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
title_full_unstemmed |
Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results |
title_sort |
analysis and interpretation of viking labeled release experimental results |
publishDate |
1979 |
url |
http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19790022948 |
op_coverage |
Unclassified, Unlimited, Publicly available |
geographic |
Antarctic |
geographic_facet |
Antarctic |
genre |
Antarc* Antarctic |
genre_facet |
Antarc* Antarctic |
op_source |
CASI |
op_relation |
Document ID: 19790022948 Accession ID: 79N31119 http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19790022948 |
op_rights |
No Copyright |
_version_ |
1766085712400089088 |