28th Annual Student Research Conference
Ticks as Astrobiological Model Organisms
Nathan T. Scott
Dr. Laura Fielden, Faculty Mentor
Ticks as Astrobiological Model Organisms A cryptobiotic organism avoids hostile conditions by entering into an ametabolic state. Cryptobiotic organisms are of great interest to Astrobiologists because of their ability to withstand hostile conditions that replicate those in space. Previous research at Truman supported by NASA-MOSGC (Missouri Space Grant Consortium) has clearly demonstrated that several species of ticks are cryptobiotic organisms, specifically anoxybiotic organisms that can survive without oxygen for several days. In this paper we define the criteria that make organisms suitable for research in space conditions and evaluate the potential of ticks as model organisms in space research in comparison to other candidate groups of animals
Keywords: cryotobiotic, ametabolic, anoxybiotic, astrobiology
Topic(s):Astrobiology
Biology
Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 408-3
Location: MG 1098
Time: 3:00