Nucleic acids and melanin pigments after exposure to high doses of gamma rays: a biosignature robustness test

Abstract The question about the stability of certain biomolecules is directly connected to life-detection missions aiming search for past or present life beyond Earth. extreme conditions experienced on extraterrestrial planet surface ( e.g. Mars), characterized by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, CO 2 -atmosphere reactive species, may destroy hypothetical traces life. In this context, study behaviour after radiation exposure could provide support onboard instrumentation data interpretation exploration other planets. Here, as a part STARLIFE campaign, we investigated effects gamma rays two classes fungal biomolecules–nucleic acids melanin pigments – considered promising biosignatures during ‘ in situ life-detection’