Re: [GZG] Biology in a vacuum

Subject: Re: [GZG] Biology in a vacuum

Forgive my first post, but biological organisms can survive if the
tissue is dried or frozen. Rupturing occurs for two possible reasons:
the boiling off of water (or even fats), and the release of gasses
either trapped within the tissues (bubbles) or dissolved in the fluids.
Thus, drying the external layers into a rigid shell, as previously
mentioned, would protect the liquid-filled interiors. Indeed, if the
articulations are done correctly, you could even construct an EVA 'suit'
for some of the travelers. The external shell would resist the expansive
forces of the gasses held within, and protect the water from
flash-boiling (due to solar heating and low pressure). As for radiation
damage, enhanced enzyme function for genetic repair could alleviate much
of that; you could even construct a third DNA strand as a stabilizing
agent, but that's a temporary fix since cells can't do anything when the
genetic information is constrained. 

Charles Morgan, Chairman
Department of Biology
Saint Joseph College
cmorgan@sjc.edu

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