A bioenergetic model to predict habitability, biomass and biosignatures in astrobiology and extreme conditions.

ABSTRACT: In order to grow, reproduce and evolve life requires a supply of energy and nutrients. Astrobiology has the challenge of studying life on Earth in environments which are poorly characterized or extreme, usually both, and predicting the habitability of extraterrestrial environments. We have developed a general astrobiological model for assessing the energetic and nutrient availability of poorly characterized environments to predict their potential biological productivity. NutMEG (nutrients, maintenance, energy and growth) can be used to estimate how much biomass an environment could host, and how that life might affect the local chemistry. It requires only an overall catabolic reaction and some knowledge of the local environment to begin making estimations, with many more customizable param

SUBMITTER: Higgins PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7653372 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature