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Bacterial Composition and Quantitation in the Yungay Region of the Atacama Desert, ChileVoyager would have produced similar negative results if tested in the Yungay region (Navarro-Gonzales et al, 2003). However, the number of bacteria present per gr'am in the Yungay sands is not well-established, being below the detection limit of culture methods. For the past several years, this group has been analyzing Yungay sands by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), both in the lab and in the field, to establish protocols for counting bacteria. We use primers that detect a broad range of bacterial taxa, including both proteobacteria and firmicutes. Optimization of DNA extraction and qPCR analysis is critical for accurate counts. Comparison of qPCR results with PhosphoLipid Fatty Acid (PLFA)-analysis and other counting methods indicates that there are detectable bacteria in sand obtained from the upper few centimeters of the desert surface.
Document ID
20060021484
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fletcher, Lauren
(Exlm Enterprises Reno, NV, United States)
Conley, Catharine A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Ishkhanova, Galina
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Kovacs, Gregory
(Stanford Univ. Stanford, CA, United States)
Jordan, Jeanne
(Pittsburgh Univ. PA, United States)
Cullings, Ken
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gomez-Silva, Benito
(Antofagasta, Univ. Chile)
McKay, Christopher
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrobiology Science Conference 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: March 26, 2006
End Date: March 30, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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