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Scientists at the University of Zurich have discovered that DNA can survive the harsh conditions of space and re-entry into the atmosphere. The finding was made by attaching DNA to the outer casing of a rocket, shown launching from the Esrange base in Kiruna, Sweden. It has led to questions about the origin of life on Earth
The research, published online in the journal Plos One, was carried out by scientists from the University of Zurich in Switzerland.
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The Texus-49 sub-orbital mission launched from the European base of Esrange in Kiruna, northern Sweden, and was originally intended to study the influence of gravity on the genes of human cells carried inside the rocket.
But scientists decided, in addition, to test the effects space travel has on DNA when carried at three positions on the rocket's outer casing - and found it survived.
Many scientists believe comets may have brought organic building blocks of life such as amino acids to the Earth early in its history.
But some go further and suggest that DNA, the essential molecule of life itself, could reach the Earth in meteoric dust, 100 tonnes of which hit the planet each day - a theory known as panspermia.
During the experiment, around 53 per cent of the DNA was recovered from the grooves in screw heads, and more than a third remained fully functional.
The 'plasmid' DNA carried genes for fluorescence and antibiotic resistance.
It was shown to function by conferring antibiotic resistance to bacteria, and driving a flourescent marker in nucleated cells.
Dr Cora Thiel, one of the scientists from the University of Zurich, said: 'We were completely surprised to find so much intact and functionally active DNA.'
Professor Oliver Ullrich, from the same university, added: 'This study provides experimental evidence that the DNA's genetic information is essentially capable of surviving the extreme conditions of space and the re-entry into Earth's dense atmosphere.'
The Texus-49 sub-orbital mission launched from the European Esrange Space Center (shown on map) and was originally intended to study the influence of gravity on the genes of human cells carried inside the rocket - but the surprising DNA discovery is likely to spark considerable attention
The type of DNA carried by the rocket was known as 'plasmid DNA' (stock image shown). This carried genes for fluorescence and antibiotic resistance. It was shown to function on its return to Earth by conferring antibiotic resistance to bacteria, and driving a flourescent marker in nucleated cells
The research also suggested that scientists conducting space missions to other planets needed to be careful about contamination.
Proffesor Ullrich said: 'The results show that it is by no means unlikely that, despite all the safety precautions, space ships could also carry terrestrial DNA to their landing site.
'We need to have this under control in the search for extraterrestrial life.'
Back in August, traces of plankton and other microorganisms were found living on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) by Russian cosmonauts.
They claim the plankton were not carried there at launch - but are thought to have been blown there by air currents on Earth.
Incredibly, the tiny organisms were found to be able to survive in the vacuum of space despite the freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen and cosmic radiation.
Some said the plankton may simply have been contamination from other areas of the ISS.
Nonetheless, the discovery appeared to prove extremely primitive life could survive in the harsh environment of space.
And, coupled with this latest research, the finding raises interesting questions about the origin of life on Earth.
Many scientists believe comets may have brought organic building blocks of life such as amino acids to the early Earth. But, some go further and suggest DNA, the essential molecule of life itself, could reach the Earth in meteoric dust from elsewhere in the universe (stock image shown) - a theory known as panspermia
Back in August, traces of plankton and other microorganisms were found living on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) (pictured) by Russian cosmonauts. They claim the plankton were not carried there at launch - but are thought to have been blown there by air currents on Earth
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2850726/Scientists-left-shocked-DNA-survives-journey-space-findings-raise-questions-origins-life-Earth.html#ixzz3KFTdSlzS
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