Convergent evolution and the search for biosignatures within the solar system and beyond

Quantitative and Compositional Analysis of Trace Amino Acids in Icy Moon Analogues Using a Microcapillary Electrophoresis Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection System

“…1 Given these realities and the significant advancements made in outerplanetary space travel, the icy moons in our solar system have been garnering increasing attention over the past few decades. 2,3 One of the most commonly discussed targets is Enceladus, whose water-rich jets are primary contributors to Saturn's E-ring. 4−8 Much of what we have discovered about Enceladus originates from the Cassini−Huygens mission to study Saturn and its orbiting bodies.…”

“…However, life has also shown a propensity to adapt and endure in extreme environments, such as those with limited water activity, extreme temperatures, high salinity, and so on . Given these realities and the significant advancements made in outer-planetary space travel, the icy moons in our solar system have been garnering increasing attention over the past few decades. , One of the most commonly discussed targets is Enceladus, whose water-rich jets are primary contributors to Saturn’s E-ring. − Much of what we have discovered about Enceladus originates from the Cassini–Huygens mission to study Saturn and its orbiting bodies. − During the mission, the Cassini spacecraft discovered a plume emanating from the moon’s southern polar terrain. Data analysis of the composition of these striking features’ compositions has since provided evidence of ongoing hydrothermal activity , and has suggested the presence of a global subsurface ocean .…”