Long-chain alkanes preserved in a Martian mudstone.

ABSTRACT: Organic molecules preserved in ancient Martian rocks provide a critical record of the past habitability of Mars and could be chemical biosignatures. Experiments conducted by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument onboard the Curiosity rover have previously reported several classes of indigenous chlorinated and sulfur-containing organic compounds in Gale crater sedimentary rocks, with chemical structures of up to six carbons. Here, we report the detection of decane (C₁₀H₂₂), undecane (C₁₁H₂₄), and dodecane (C₁₂H₂₆) at the tens of pmol level, released from the Cumberland drilled mudstone sample, using a modified SAM analytical procedure optimized for the detection of larger organic molecules. Laboratory experiments support the

SUBMITTER: Freissinet C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12002291 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature