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The use of mineral crystals as bio-markers in the search for life on MarsIt is proposed that minerals resulting from biologically controlled mineralization processes be utilized as biomarkers because of their favorable qualities. Universal signatures of life (biomarkers) are discussed in terms of their terrestrial forms and hypothetical Martian counterparts including organics, suites of specific inorganic and organic compounds, and isotopic ratios. It is emphasized that minerals produced under biologic control have morphological and isotopic compositions that are not found in their abiotic counterparts. Other biomarkers are not necessarily indicative of biological origin and are therefore unreliable resources for scientific study. Mineral crystals are also stable over long geological periods, and the minerals from Martian fluvial features can therefore be employed to search for fossils and biomarkers of early biological activity.
Document ID
19920038325
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
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)
Kaneshiro, E. S.
(Cincinnati, University OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 12
Issue: 4, 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
92A20949
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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