Newly Discovered Bacteria?

[Matheous-2]

Anyone heard of a recent bacteria which absorbs Co2 and converts it to Oxygen?
Also heard NASA are planning to 'seed' the Martian atmosphere with it in 2016?

[Peter Pedant]

goggle

bacteria converting carbon dioxide to oxygen

and there are a few hits - they're calling it photosynthesis which erm OK ....

alot to read about - clearly not an impossibility

[Graham-W]

You need water for the reaction to take place and one of the main products is ethylene in addition to the Oxygen. The ethylene would be useful on Earth as an alternative to fossil fuels but as an attempt to create a breathable atmosphere on Mars it would just make an explosive mixture.

http://www.i-sis.org.uk/Photosynthetic_Bacterium_Converts_CO2_into_Petrochemical_and_O2.php

[Hypognosis]

Hi Matheous-2

If you first take some time to read about how and why most of Mars' atmosphere got stripped away into space, you will begin to appreciate how futile it would be to attempt to 'terraform' Mars.

Oxygen generation for a biodome project is another matter. Care to add further detail or a link to the article?

[Hypognosis]

(Just noticed GrahamW posted the link I was asking for. Dohh!)

[Peter Pedant]

well done Graham - W

[Matheous-2]

Hypognosis, I asked this question as a layman with only a basic knowledge.
The reason I offered no reference link is because I didn't have one!
I was given this info from someone who was only a passing acquaintance on the Greek Island Santorini.
When he said 'recently' -I assumed that to be within the last few months of this year- not 'ISS Report 19/09/12'
I feel (once again) I should apologise for asking anything on AB ?

[harrylggy]

I have heared about this recent news from you. I am a student of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and I have a great interest on bacteria , virus and other microbes. Thanks for your sharing.