Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Details Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Aug 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007asbio...7..605s&link_type=abstract

Astrobiology, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 605-615.

Biology

5

Porphyrin, Heme, Chlorophyll, Tetrapyrrole, Tofsims.

Scientific paper

A key issue in astrobiological research is identifying target molecules that are unambiguously biological in origin and can be easily detected and recognized. We suggest porphyrin derivatives as an ideal target, because these chromophores are global in distribution and found in virtually all living organisms on Earth, including microorganisms that may approximate the early evolution of life on Earth. We discuss the inherent qualities that make porphyrin ideally suited for astrobiological research and discuss methods for detecting porphyrin molecules in terrestrial sedimentary environments. We present preliminary data to support the use of ToFSIMS as a powerful technique in the identification of porphyrins.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Porphyrin as an Ideal Biomarker in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-968925