INSTRUCTIONS
Kepler-28d conditions that must be addressed: The environment on Kepler-28d is very different to that on Earth but still presents the opportunity to support life. You are required to design a carbon-based, eukaryotic, unicellular organism that contains membrane-bound organelles that match those on Earth and, theoretically, is capable of withstanding the following environmental conditions. Key conditions on Kepler 28d include:
? An atmosphere that contains levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide sufficient to support life.
? Kepler-28d’s surface receives approximately the same amount of sunlight per day as that on Earth.
? Temperatures on Kepler-28d are much lower than that on Earth (around -75?).
? Water is available on the Kepler-28d surface, maintained as a liquid despite the low temperature (due to the high pressure of Kepler-28d atmosphere).
? There is no source of bioavailable glucose or carbohydrates on Kepler-28d.
? All essential metals, non-metals and transition metals are biologically available on Kepler-28d.
? The essential amino acids methionine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine are biologically available.
? There is no limit to the number of founding cells introduced to the planet. However, there is no possibility to introduce additional individuals to the planet after the founding cells.