Simple DNA can apparently survive a journey through space. It won't even burn-up during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and will retain its ability to hold and transfer genetic information.

A team of Swiss and German scientists applied some DNA fragments to the exterior surface of a rocket that zoomed into low Earth orbit during a 13 minute space flight. When the rocket returned to Earth, the scientists were surprised to discover the DNA molecules still intact.

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The study's original aim was to analyze the effect of zero gravity on DNA. Placing the DNA samples on the exterior of the rocket was an afterthought but yielded surprising yet positive results about the DNA's ability to survive during space flight.

The DNA samples were applied to the exterior of the TEXUS-49 rocket launched from northern Sweden. When the rocket returned, one third of the original samples were still functional and able to transfer genetic code into bacteria and tissue cells.

Cora Thiel from the University of Zurich, the lead author of the study, said her team was really surprised about the active DNA that survived space and re-entry.

The DNA used in the study wasn't chromosomal, the type mostly found in humans and most living organisms. Researchers used a simpler DNA called plasmids, which are smaller in molecular composition and are present in some bacteria.

According to Oliver Ullrich from the University of Magdeburg in Germany, scientists are still unsure what will happen to human DNA when exposed to space flight. This will be investigated in a separate experiment. DNA plasmids are probably more resistant to re-entry.

Although scientists are eager to investigate how living DNA spread life in different alien planets and even asteroid or meteors, this particular study isn't conclusive proof whether life can survive a space voyage. The experiment, however, can be considered a small step in bringing life into space exploration.

This study was published in the journal, PLOS ONE.

TagsDNA, dna survives re entry from space rocket exterior, DNA Survives Re-entry Into Earth's Atmosphere From Space; On the Exterior of a Rocket