Scientists studying the Red Planet have for the first time detected nitrogen, a component crucial to the existence of life, extracted from nitrate molecules as a result of heating surface sediments, adding evidence that Mars could once have sustained life.
Carbon-based life is not possible without nitrogen. The element is required for the shaping of molecules such as DNA and RNA, both of which carry the genetic information necessary for life. Proteins also require nitrogen to build structures such as hair and nails.
Martian nitrogen was discovered in nitric oxide released from larger molecular structures, known as nitrates, Phys.org reported. To get the nitrogen, researchers used the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument set aboard NASA’s Curiosity rover.
Earlier scientists discovered evidence that ingredients needed for life, including liquid water and organic matter, were present on Mars billions of years ago.
“Finding a biochemically accessible form of nitrogen is more support for the ancient Martian environment at Gale Crater being habitable,” Jennifer Stern, of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, claimed.
Scientists have detected nitrates in quantities up to 1,100 parts-per-million in Martian soil, leading researchers to conclude that Martian mudstone was formed from sediment deposited at the bottom of an ancient lake.
Nitrate molecules that contain fixed nitrogen needed for life are present on Mars. After Curiosity rover examined mudstone, dust and sand on the three sites of the red planet, evidence for nitrates were found on each of them.
Previously, a rover team said they discovered evidence for a habitable environment on Mars, including the presence of water, carbon, and potential energy sources to drive the metabolism of simple organisms.
RELATED ARTICLES
- Researchers Warn Vaping is just as Harmful as Cigarettes
- DNA test to be added to Covid screening
- Justice in Corrupt Germany: 8 out of 9 Immigrants who Gang Raped Minor Girl in Park ON VIDEO, set Free
- FDA says Targeted Gene Therapy may CAUSE Cancer instead of Curing it
- Canada Confirms Undisclosed Presence of DNA Sequence in Pfizer Shot
Loading ...
