Potential for preservation of halobacteria and their macromolecular constituents in brine inclusions from bedded salt deposits

James K. Fredrickson; Darrell P. Chandler; Tullis C. Onstott

doi:10.1117/12.278786

11 July 1997 Potential for preservation of halobacteria and their macromolecular constituents in brine inclusions from bedded salt deposits

James K. Fredrickson, Darrell P. Chandler, Tullis C. Onstott

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278786
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Halobacteria cultured from salt deposits as old as 200 m.y. are assumed to be dormant halobacteria entombed in the brine inclusions that formed during deposition of the salt crystals. Hypersaline lakes may have also existed on early Mars. If so, evaporite minerals containing frozen brine inclusions may occur on the surface of Mars today. Analyses of samples of recently-deposited salt from Laguna Grande de la Sal in New Mexico revealed the presence of viable halobacteria. 16S rDNA from archae and eubacteria was also detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of directly-extracted DNA from Laguna Grande de la Sal sal. In contrast, no halophilic bacteria were cultured from 200 my polyhalite from the Salado Formation in New Mexico nor was archaea 16S rDNA detected by PCR amplification of DNA extracts from salt. A combination of microbiological, molecular, and geochemical approaches are being used to probe bedded salt deposits for evidence of microbial entrapment in primary fluid inclusions. A chronosequence of bedded salts from Death Valley, California that range in age from 0 to 200 kyr is the subject of current investigations to constrain the length of time that viable halophilic bacteria and associated macromolecules can be detected in bedded salts.

Citation Download Citation

James K. Fredrickson, Darrell P. Chandler, and Tullis C. Onstott "Potential for preservation of halobacteria and their macromolecular constituents in brine inclusions from bedded salt deposits", Proc. SPIE 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms, (11 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278786

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available