Arsenic in the Evolution of Earth and Extraterrestrial Ecosystems

作者：Oremland Ronald S^*; Saltikov Chad W; Wolfe Simon Felisa; Stolz John F

来源：Geomicrobiology Journal, 2009, 26(7): 522-536.

DOI：10.1080/01490450903102525

• arsenic respiring microorganisms
• biofilm
• biogeochemical cycling
• exobiology
• planetary evolution

If you were asked to speculate about the form extra-terrestrial life on Mars might take, which geomicrobial phenomenon might you select as a model system, assuming that life on Mars would be 'primitive'? Give your reasons. At the end of my senior year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1968, I took Professor Ehrlich's final for his Geomicrobiology course. The above question beckoned to me like the Sirens to Odysseus, for if I answered, it would take so much time and thought that I would never get around to the exam's other essay questions and consequently, would be oshipwreckedo by flunking the course. So, I passed it up. With this 41-year perspective in mind, this manuscript is now submitted to Professor Ehrlich for (belated) oextra-credit.o R.S. Oremland.

• 出版日期2009