DNA damage of the lichen Buellia frigida after 1.5 years in space using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique

As part of the ESA space experiment BIOMEX (Biology and Mars Experiment) the lichen Buellia frigida has been exposed to space and simulated Mars analogue conditions on the expose facility EXPOSE-R2 placed outside the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS) for 1.5 years. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique has been carried out to study the effect of space conditions on the DNA integrity as well as to assess DNA damage. The RAPD profiles of the space exposed lichen samples demonstrate conspicuous changes compared to the control profiles. For the survival of cells and entire organisms the DNA integrity is an essential prerequisite. The results of the study presented indicate a minor resistance potential of the lichen Buellia frigida towards Low Earth Orbit and Mars analogue conditions effecting the survival potential and the resistance of the symbiotic organism.