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Role of Mineral Surfaces in Prebiotic Processes and Space-Like Conditions

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Biosignatures for Astrobiology

Part of the book series: Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics ((ASTROBIO))

Abstract

The study of the interactions between organic molecules and minerals is fundamental to unravel the prebiotic processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth or possibly on other planets. Mineral surfaces may act as adsorbents, templates and catalysts driving the abiotic evolution of chemical systems on early Earth and in space towards increasing molecular complexity. Investigations about molecule-mineral interactions provide also important scientific support to space missions devoted to the search of past or present signs of life in the form of molecular biomarkers that can be included inside rock samples. Such studies are essential for establishing habitability of other planets, selection of sampling sites, identification of potential biomarkers, correct interpretation of data collected during mission operative periods, development of suitable life detection methods and technologies for in situ analysis.

In this chapter, the possible roles of minerals have been examined both from the standpoint of prebiotic chemistry and life detection investigations focusing mainly on Mars exploration.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri through the Italian Space Agency (ASI) grant agreement ASI/INAF nr. 2015-002-R.0 and by the Carnegie Institution for Science.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INAF – Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Florence, Italy

    John Robert Brucato

  2. Carnegie Science, Geophysical Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA

    Teresa Fornaro

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Correspondence to John Robert Brucato .

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  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Barbara Cavalazzi

  2. Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, Orléans, France

    Frances Westall

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Brucato, J.R., Fornaro, T. (2019). Role of Mineral Surfaces in Prebiotic Processes and Space-Like Conditions. In: Cavalazzi, B., Westall, F. (eds) Biosignatures for Astrobiology. Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96175-0_9

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