Discover potential sources of life for Martian microorganisms

According to the latest research on Mars, scientists discovered carbon monoxide (CO) molecules on Mars, a potential source of energy for life-sustaining microorganisms on the red planet.

Detecting carbon monoxide (CO) on Mars

According to the latest scientific news on RT, a recent study shows that carbon monoxide (CO) levels have been a potential source of energy to help microorganisms maintain life on the surface. Mars surface.

A study was published in the edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on Monday, indicating that the amount of carbon monoxide found in Mars's atmosphere is relatively high. This could be a "significant source of energy" for microorganisms on the red planet. However, the article also notes that whether microbial populations can continue to survive on the Martian surface still depends on many other factors.

Microorganisms that rely on CO to survive on the surface of Mars

Although microorganisms are able to grow under the polar regions of the red planet or even in salty saline pools under the surface of Mars, no research has shown that they consume energy. How to maintain life under the Martian surface. Gary King, author of the study, a biologist at Louisiana State University, says this is the first time carbon monoxide has become a mysterious energy source.

After Gary King took soil samples from three places on Earth with a very dry and high salinity climate, he determined that soil carbon dioxide was released into the air. According to him, the process could be similar on Mars, where there is more carbon monoxide atmosphere than Earth . However, Gary King's conclusion is currently unverified because the Mars probe is not equipped with the technology needed to validate this hypothesis.

CO molecules can help explain life-related questions on Mars

This is considered a very important part of Mars biology research. Chris McKay, a NASA biologist, said: " What this study offers is useful information about the energy source for microorganisms that exist anywhere on the Martian surface. '.

PNAS also published another Mars-related study on Tuesday, March 24, 2015: NASA's Curiosity self-propelled vehicle found traces of nitrogen in rocks on Mars , indicating "Red planet " has could have lived. Like nitrogen, carbon is also essential for life, NASA scientists claim.