Insight into lichen physiology and biochemistry following exposure to rapid depressurization, vacuum conditions, and ionizing radiation-does the anhydrobiotic state and melanization protect lichens against cytotoxicity?
This study tested the responses of lichen Cetraria aculeata to simulated extraterrestrial conditions, including rapid depressurization and exposure to vacuum and ionizing radiation. We studied lichens in metabolically active and anhydrobiotic states, including melanized and pale thalli, to assess whether lichen desicca...