would it be possible for a genetically altered animal to be able to live in space?

[cameron marical]

"Deinococcus radiodurans R1

Of the Deinococcus species, only Deinococcus radiodurans strain R1 has been extensively studied. High doses of gamma radiation, as well as prolonged periods of desiccation, generate numerous double-strand breaks in the genome of D. radiodurans. It has been shown that D. radiodurans is able to repair the radiation-induced breaks within a few hours with cells grown and recovered in rich growth medium. The genome of D. radiodurans R1 has been completely sequenced and analyzed (Makarova et al., 2001, Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 65: 44), and the effects of exposure of the cells to gamma radiation on the transcriptome and proteome have been determined, demonstrating modulation of expression of numerous genes. Based on what is known at present, three hypotheses to explain its radiation-tolerance can be proposed:

 

D. radiodurans may use conventionnel repair mechanisms, but much more efficiently than other bacteria;

novel repair proteins may be present among the hypothetical proteins of which the function is currently unknown;

the DNA is present as a highly condensed structure that limits dispersion of fragments generated by irradiation, which may facilitate repair.

Despite these hypotheses, the genome repair mechanisms of D. radiodurans, and thus its extreme radiation-tolerance, are still largely unclear (Cox & Battista, 2005, Nat Rev Microbiol 3: 882)."

 

This bacterium has the genetic make-up to handle many times the radioactivity that space has to throw at you. Genetic insertion of the genes for radio-tolerance that this bacterium has would be more than sufficient to create an animal able to tolerate the radiation of space.

 

that sounds promising for a cancer cure. maybe we could use this in our bodies. just less extreme.

 

Mokele

The original question did not ask if an animal could find food in space. Just if an animal could be genetically modified to live in space.

 

Let me put up a science fiction scenario.

It is a few hundred years in the future. In earth orbit are literally tens of thousands of substantial satellites, including large numbers of habitats holding humans. Also in Earth orbit are a few trillion specks of dust, paint iron filings etc. Any satellite is essentially being continually sand blasted. Even with reinforced walls, in time all such vessels will lose integrity.

 

To solve the problem, a genetically modified organism is designed, able to live in space. It is programmed to use tentacles to hold onto small protrusions, and slowly move its body over the outside surface of those habitats and satellites, laying down a nacreous layer to make up for the abrasion. It uses anaerobic respiration, and has an ultra slow metabolism. About every six months or so, a waldo visits each such GM animal, replacing the sacs of food, water, and nacreous filler, and removing accumulated waste.

 

The question is whether such an animal could be designed. I think the answer is yes. Given sufficient advances in genetic technology.

 

thank you mr. skeptic.

 

someones getting rep points.

[Sayonara]

The question is whether such an animal could be designed. I think the answer is yes. Given sufficient advances in genetic technology.

If we are saying "given sufficient advances" then why not just design swarm organisms that eat space junk?

[mooeypoo]

If we are saying "given sufficient advances" then why not just design swarm organisms that eat space junk?

That's a good idea, but being a sci-fi junky, I have to warn in advance and recommend we also have an "OFF" key on those organisms.

 

(( read "NEXT" by Michael Crichton, as one of many examples why ))