Curiosity rover discovers new organic molecules on Mars, previously undetected
Kyiv • UNN
NASA's rover has discovered 21 organic molecules in a rock sample, including components for RNA and DNA. Scientists are studying the biological or geological origin of the findings.
NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered the most diverse collection of organic molecules in a sample of Martian rock, including seven compounds never before found on the Red Planet. This was reported by NASA, writes UNN.
Details
The rock sample was obtained in 2020 in the Mount Sharp area. In total, 21 organic molecules were identified in it, seven of which are new to Mars.
Scientists note that they cannot yet determine the origin of these compounds – they could have formed both biologically and geologically. At the same time, the discovery confirms that ancient Mars had conditions suitable for the existence of life.
Unique molecules and the significance of the discovery
Among the compounds found are nitrogenous heterocycles, which are considered chemical precursors of RNA and DNA.
This discovery is quite significant because these structures can be chemical precursors of more complex molecules
Benzothiophene, a carbon and sulfur compound previously found in meteorites and associated with the spread of prebiotic chemistry in the early Solar System, was also discovered.
How the research was conducted
The analysis was carried out using the built-in Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) laboratory. The device heats a crushed rock sample and analyzes the gases released.
The "wet chemistry" method using a special solvent was also used for the study, which allows detecting more complex organic compounds.
This collection of organic molecules once again raises the possibility that Mars was home to life in the ancient past