Biosignature: Difference between revisions

The ''Curiosity'' rover from the [[Mars Science Laboratory]] mission, with its [[Curiosity rover|''Curiosity'' rover]] is currently assessing the potential past and present [[planetary habitability|habitability]] of the Martian environment and is attempting to detect biosignatures on the surface of Mars.<ref name="Biosignatures 2011" /> Considering the MSL instrument payload package, the following classes of biosignatures are within the MSL detection window: organism morphologies (cells, body fossils, casts), biofabrics (including microbial mats), diagnostic organic molecules, isotopic signatures, evidence of biomineralization and bioalteration, spatial patterns in chemistry, and biogenic gases.<ref name="Biosignatures 2011" /> The ''Curiosity'' rover targets [[outcrop]]s to maximize the probability of detecting 'fossilized' [[organic matter]] preserved in sedimentary deposits.