What critical challenge must scientists overcome when analyzing meteorite fragments for signs of life?

Answer

Distinguishing life signatures from abundant, naturally formed abiotic organic material

A major difficulty in astrobiological chemistry derived from meteorites is separating evidence of past life from evidence of complex, yet non-biological, prebiotic chemistry. Asteroids naturally produce incredibly complex organic compounds through abiotic processes in space. Therefore, finding amino acids or other organic molecules is not definitive proof of life. Scientists must employ rigorous analysis, such as examining isotopic ratios, to determine if the molecules display chemical characteristics indicative of biological metabolism or fractionation, which differentiates them from the abundant organic background formed purely by geological or solar radiation processes.

What critical challenge must scientists overcome when analyzing meteorite fragments for signs of life?

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