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NASA discovers ‘phosphorous’, key element for life, on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Published on 17 Jun 2023

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NASA discovers ‘phosphorous’, key element for life, on Saturn's moon Enceladus
  • Phosphorus, a key element for various biological processes has been discovered in icy grains spewed from the interior ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus.
  • Cassini a space probe launched to scrutinize Saturn and its extensive system of moons and rings.
  • The scientists earlier found minerals and organic compounds in Enceladus' ice grains excluding phosphorus- the least abundant of six chemical elements considered necessary to all living things, and is found in the bones and teeth of humans and animals.
  • Phosphorus is fundamental unit of the structure of DNA and RNA and, a vital part of cell membranes and energy-carrying molecules existing in all forms of life on Earth.
Source: SarkariPariksha