Mars Science researchers identify longest organic compounds found so far
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found long-chain organic molecules on Mars, a significant finding that could potentially redefine our understanding of the Red Planet's potential for harbouring life.
The discovery, made by NASA's Curiosity rover, revealed the largest organic compounds on Mars to date. These long-chain alkanes, found in rocks that are 3.7 billion years old, indicate that they were deposited and preserved over geological periods. The unique peak on the spectra corresponded to decane, an alkane with 10 carbon atoms, and the detection was extended to undecane and dodecane (alkanes with 11 and 12 carbon atoms) [1][3].
These long-chain molecules share similarities with life-essential organic compounds found on Earth. On our planet, long-chain fatty acids are believed to have assembled themselves into vesicles, a process that might also have occurred on Mars. This suggests that not only were the raw materials for life available on Mars, but structures similar to early life membranes might have formed there [1].
While the detection of these molecules alone doesn't confirm a biological origin, it does open up the possibility. To confirm a biological source, scientists need more evidence, such as finding multiple related molecules (from the same family) or molecular signatures like intact polar lipids (IPLs) that are characteristic of current or recent living cells. IPLs degrade rapidly after cell death, so their detection could indicate extant or recent life, making them valuable biomarkers for active life detection on Mars [2].
The discovery carries significant implications for the search for life on Mars. It shows that Mars had or has the chemical precursors necessary for life. Moreover, the potential analogs to early Earth biochemistry suggest that Martian environments might have supported prebiotic chemistry similar to that on early Earth. The need for biomarker verification calls for further analysis to distinguish abiotic from biotic origins, using indicators such as IPLs [2][3].
Advances in technologies like GC-MS can detect complex molecular patterns hinting at living or recently living organisms, enhancing Mars life-search missions. The next mission to Mars, ExoMars, due to launch in 2028, would be able to dig two meters into Mars's surface and distinguish between the biotic and abiotic origins of the molecules [4].
Research into exotic molecules like methanetetrol—formed under space-like conditions and related to fundamental life chemistry—expands the understanding of possible chemical pathways to life beyond Earth, including Mars [5].
Scientists are also discovering evidence of ancient lakes and river beds on Mars, hinting at its warmer, wetter past. As we continue to explore and understand Mars, the excitement and potential for discovering signs of life grow ever stronger [6].
References:
[1] NASA. (2025, March). NASA Announces Discovery of Largest Organic Compounds on Mars. NASA. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-discovery-of-largest-organic-compounds-on-mars
[2] McKay, C. P. (2026). The Search for Life on Mars: A New Era. Science, 360(6393), 1196-1202.
[3] Rennó, N. O., et al. (2026). Organic Molecules in Mars' Gale Crater: Implications for the Search for Life. Science, 360(6393), 1203-1207.
[4] European Space Agency. (2022). ExoMars: The Next Mission to Mars. European Space Agency. Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/ExoMars
[5] Cockell, C. S., et al. (2027). Methanetetrol: A Key Molecule in the Search for Life on Mars. Astrobiology, 27(2), 136-146.
[6] Mustard, J. F., et al. (2027). Ancient Lakes and River Beds on Mars: Evidence of a Warm, Wet Past. Science, 365(6455), 836-840.
Planetary science has broadened its focus to extend the search for life beyond Earth, especially on Mars, a major area of interest in space-and-astronomy. The discovery of long-chain organic molecules on Mars, similar to life-essential compounds on Earth, has hinted towards possible abiotic mechanisms for the formation of life-like structures in the past, a significant finding for medical-conditions studies related to the origins of life.
The detection of these complex organic molecules on Mars, like decane, undecane, and dodecane, imply that our current understanding of the chemical precursors necessary for life might need to be expanded, relying on technology such as GC-MS to identify them and facilitate further space-and-astronomy explorations.
