Magnetotactic bacteria spotted in rock varnish layers in Ladakh

Magnetofossils fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria have been spotted in rock varnish layers in Ladakh.

Field photographs of the rocks sampled for rock varnish studies from NW Himalaya (Leh, Ladakh). The photographs from (a) to (d) panel I represent the rocks designated as spots RV-1 to RV-4 respectively. Panel II shows striking similarities bewteen rock coatings on Mars and Ladakh Enviroment.

A study found that rock varnish in Ladakh, containing magnetofossils, could help identify habitable environments in space.

Magnetofossils are fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by MTB. 

The findings highlighted

the potential of rock varnish as an archive of ancient environmental records and as a geomaterial for astrobiological studies.

By identifying biotic signatures in rock varnish, scientists can better target potential biosignatures on Mars and other planetary bodies, aiding the search for extraterrestrial life.

This information is crucial for planning future space missions by ISRO and other space agencies, including Mars exploration, where identifying habitable environments is a primary goal.

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Fig.2 (a) FE-SEM image of the varnish layer showing the presence of magnetotactic multicellular aggregate (MMA) type entity embedded in the varnish layer marked by yellow arrows ; inset a1 shows magnified morphology of MMA type entity, showcasing clear morphological features; inset a2 is a SEM image of magnetotactic multicellular aggregate (MMA) (b) FE-SEM image displaying clusters of chain-like magnetosome morphology in the varnish layer; (d) High resolution magnified FE-SEM image from panel c indicated by left most blue arrow illustrating the chain-like morphology of magnetosomes present in the varnish layer, with an inset depicting a graphic description of magnetosomes’ shape.

 

Image copyright @ Planetary and Space Science (Elsevier),2024

About Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB)

  • MTB are widespread, motile, diverse prokaryotes. 
  • They biomineralize a unique organelle called the magnetosome (consists of magnetic iron mineral).
  • These bacteria bacteria can orientate themselves within Earth’s geomagnetic field.

 

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