Pukkilos

Pukkilos is a fictional genus of microorganisms that appears in the popular science fiction novel "The Martian" by Andy Weir. In the novel, Pukkilos are a type of extremophile bacteria that are discovered on Mars. They are described as being able to survive in the harsh Martian environment, including extreme temperatures, low pressure, and high levels of radiation. The protagonist, astronaut Mark Watney, attempts to cultivate Pukkilos in a laboratory on Mars in an effort to produce oxygen for his survival.

The scientific plausibility of Pukkilos is a subject of debate among scientists and readers. While extremophile bacteria do exist on Earth and are capable of surviving in extreme environments, the specific conditions on Mars are considerably more challenging. The novel suggests that Pukkilos possess unique biological mechanisms that allow them to thrive on Mars, although these mechanisms are not fully explained. The fictional nature of Pukkilos serves as a plot device to advance the story and highlight the potential for life to exist in unexpected places. The term "Pukkilos" itself is a portmanteau, combining "puki" (Finnish for "poop" or "shit") and "kilos" (Greek for "thousand"), hinting at their sheer abundance and perhaps their waste products contributing to the Martian soil.