Spaceward Bound 2008

Rakesh MogulCalifornia Polytechnic University, Pomona

Who and What am I :

• Assistant Professor (CPP)

• Courses Taught : Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, General Chemistry…

• Education : Ph.D. UC Davis [1998] B.S. University of Redlands [1992]

• Research Interests :Enzyme Kinetics, Protein Structure, Effects of Radiation Exposure, Microbial Resistance, Molecular Detection (Recognition)

Astrobiology and Earth-Based Science :

Astrobiology and Astrochemistry - the biology and chemistry related to space/astronomy

- what are the biological parameters of space?

- is there any biochemistry that occurs on other planets?

- what is the chemistry of space?

- does this chemistry relate to evolution?

Earth-Based Astrobiology and Astrochemistry- Do conditions on Earth relate to other planets?

- If so, what can biology, biochemistry, and chemistry tell us

about the potential of Life on other planets?

- Example places include deserts, hot springs, caves, and more…

Field Science in the Mojave :

Purpose :To detect soil enzymes, microorganisms, and chemicals using simple chemical techniques.

Objective :To relate soil properties, such as dryness and exposure, to enzyme, microbial, and chemical content.

Methods :- Solution-based colorimetric techniques.- Quantification using spectrometry.

Our Experimental Strategy :

1. Get familiar with the experiments and techniques.• Literature search on ideas related to purpose and objectives

• Development of simple experiments…

2. Perform example experiments in lab with KNOWN samples.• Alcohol Dehydrogenase from yeast

• Catalase from fungus

• Soil from well irrigated and landscaped land

3. Preparation of materials for transport (SAFETY).

4. Execution of experiments in field (Mojave Desert).

Background :

Enzymes

…are protein catalysts that speed up reactions.…are the workhorses of biology.…breakdown of food, toxins, and more.…synthesis of biomolecules, nutrients, etc.

example : Dehydrogenase Enzymes- they remove or add hydrogen (H = 1 proton and 1 electron).- hence, they catalyze redox reactions.

example : Catalase Enzymes

- they degrade hydrogen peroxide into water and O2.- this reaction is also a redox reaction.- H2O2 is often found in soil with high levels of oxidants…

Dehydrogenases:

OHN

NH2

OH

O

H

NH2

O

N

H H

+ +..

H H+ H+

example reaction

substrate oxidized cofactor product reduced cofactor(reduced) (oxidized)

hijack electrons

add indicator dye color

reaction

Colorimetric Reactions :

Benefit : easy to observe and quantify in the field…

How : must use enzyme compatible indicator dyes…

Application : ultimately portable and easy to use…

Teaching : great for demonstration experiments…

Examples : blue bottle experiment

Dyes : indigo carmine, methylene blue, DCIP, etc…

Conclusion :

• Strategy of execution will also be applied to catalase enzymes.• The redox properties of microbes will also be measured…• This involves similar experiments and dyes…• In essence, electrons from respiration will be ‘hijacked’.• In all cases, the formation or loss of color will be measured.

• Will be working with an undergraduate student.

• Will be working with other scientists…• As to build a ‘bigger picture’ of soil biology/chemistry…