Microorganisms on the seabed could be clues to finding life beyond Earth

KOMPAS.com – A group of researchers stated that microorganisms that lived on large plates, on the ancient seabed in the Persian Gulf could provide clues or signs related to life on the planet another.

Finding life outside Earth, indeed has become a mission for scientists in the world. This is considered to be able to help them to study the evolution of the planet.

In their study, researchers from Arizona State University is currently studying an area called Samal Ophiolite, which lies off the coast of Oman.

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Reporting from Space, Saturday (14/5/2022) the large plate in the oceanic crust is made of volcanic rock, as well as ultramafic rock from Earth’s upper mantle.

These rocks exhibit a unique geological process called serpentinization. The researchers explained that serpentinization is a process in which water reacts with rock to create hydrogen gas which is oxidized by microorganisms.

It also said, serpentinization is considered to occur on other planets in the Solar System.

“It is believed that processes such as serpentinization may exist throughout the universe, and evidence has been found that serpentinization may have occurred on Jupiter’s moons Europa and Saturn’s moons Enceladus,” said study lead author Alta Howells.

According to his study, the researchers analyzed microorganisms known as methanogens.

Microorganisms it can produce methane by oxidizing hydrogen gas, as well as carbon dioxide.

The team explained, these organisms are simple life forms that probably evolved earlier on Earth.

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