Biosignature Molecules Accumulate and Persist in Evaporitic Brines: Implications for Planetary Exploration.

ABSTRACT: The abundance of potentially habitable hypersaline environments in our solar system compels us to understand the impacts of high-salt matrices and brine dynamics on biosignature detection efforts. We identified and quantified organic compounds in brines from South Bay Salt Works (SBSW), where evapoconcentration of ocean water enables exploration of the impact of NaCl- and MgCl₂-dominated brines on the detection of potential biosignature molecules. In SBSW, organic biosignature abundance and distribution are likely influenced by evapoconcentration, osmolyte accumulation, and preservation effects. Bioluminescence assays show that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations are higher in NaCl-rich, low water activity (a_w) samples (<0.85) from SBSW. This is consist

SUBMITTER: Pozarycki C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12344115 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature