Lisa Gloss |
Friday, February 23, 2:10-3:00 p.m, Webster 17
Lisa Gloss
Washington State University School of Molecular Biosciences
Molecular Adaptations for Extreme Living
Abstract
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Astrobiology draws from diverse scientific disciplines to answer
fundamental questions about life in the universe: what environments
will sustain life; how did life originate and evolve on Earth; and how
might the origin and evolution of life be different in other
potentially hospitable corners of the universe? In part, these
questions can be answered by studying life forms which have evolved to
survive, and even thrive, in extreme environments. This talk will
focus on the biochemical adaptations which allow Earth's
hardiest life forms, the archae, to occupy niches too inhospitable for
most terrestrial organisms, including high temperatures, pH extremes
and high salinity. The metabolism and macromolecular structures of
single-celled archae and mesophiles (such as E. coli) will be compared
to understand how life can evolve and adapt to extreme environments
found on Earth as well as other rocky, water-rich planets.
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