Bio-markers and the search for extinct life on Mars

Schwartz, D. E.; Mancinelli, R. L.

In order to predict what biomarkers could be used on Mars, several biomarkers, or key signatures, of extinct life on earth are identified. Some of these biomarkers which may be applicable to Mars include reduced carbon and nitrogen compounds, CO3(2-), SO4(2-), NO3(-), Mg, Mn, Fe, and the isotopic ratios of C, N, and S. It is suggested that a fully equipped Mars rover might be able to perform analyses to measure most of these biomarkers while on the Martian surface.

Document ID

19890064150

Document Type

Reprint (Version printed in journal)

External Source(s)

doi:10.1016/0273-1177(89)90222-6

Authors

Schwartz, D. E. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)

Mancinelli, R. L. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)

Date Acquired

August 14, 2013

Publication Date

January 1, 1989

Publication Information

Publication: Planetary Biology and Origins of Life, 20th, 21st, and 23rd, Espoo, Finland, July 18-29, 1988) Advances in Space Research

ISSN: 0273-1177

Subject Category

Distribution Limits

Public

Other

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server