Is it possible to genetically engineer an Eco-system in outer space ?

Question

And if know one has thought of it then i want the noble prize for thinking about it! Also could such an enginered system be free of parasitic DNA ?

Answer 1

i imagine you could, providing you could bring all the materials, air, water, chemicals etc, synthesize the gravity, tempreture, and sunlight

i fail to see the point only to prove it can be done, because people would have to work their whole lives on it

i would say that if this system could be free from parasitic dna, why couldn't the same proceedure be used on earth

Answer 2

Yes, and I believe, No.

It is possible to design an entirely self sustaining eco-system off planet.

However the part of your question regarding parasitic DNA, I don't believe that would be entirely possible. Some things are dependent upon each other, if you get rid of one, the other suffers. I think you could reduce the amount in your isolated eco-system, not remove parasitic DNA completely.

Answer 3

Is it possible to build a city one molecule at a time?  I suppose so, but then why would one do that rather than build it out of existing materials?

So to establish an ecosystem in outer space one only needs air, water, temperature control, soil, plants and animals.  No genetic engineering needed.  That is simple enough.

What is not simple is the container.  Without a vessel  to enclose the ingredients and spinning to simulate gravity, your eco system would not flourish.  Small scale eco system experiments have been conducted in space - some by accident when germs and molds took up residence in our space stations (Skylab, MIR space station, International space station)