[Detection of organic compounds on Mars].
McKay et al. detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Martian meteorite ALH 84001 by two-step laser mass spectrometry. From the presence of PAHs, together with other results, they concluded that there were past life of Mars. On the other hands, no organisms nor organic compounds were detected in Martian regolith in Viking experiments in 1976. In order to obtain solid evidence for organisms or bioorganic compounds compounds on Mars, further analyses of Martian samples are required. There may be four classes of organic compounds on Mars, which are (i) organic compounds abiotically formed from primitive Mars atmosphere, (ii) Organic compounds delivered out of Mars, (iii) Organic compounds biotically formed by Mars organisms, and (iv) Organic compounds abiotically formed from the present Mars atmosphere. Possible organic compounds on Mars and analytical methods for them are discussed.
Kobayashi
K
K
Department of Physical Chemistry, Yokohama National University, Japan. kkensei@pchem.bsk.ynu.ac.jp
D019418:Evolution, Chemical; D019419:Evolution, Planetary; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D018535:Mars; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D019110:Meteoroids; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons