Fig. 2: Sample preparation and analysis workflow.
From: Fragmented deoxyribonucleic acid could be extractable from Mars’s surface rocks
A Sample sealing under N₂ atmosphere: About 4–5 g of pulverized rock samples were sealed in vials under a neutral, dry atmosphere (N₂ gas). B Hermetic container preparation: half of the samples were placed inside a container, which was then hermetically sealed with a lid. C Gamma irradiation exposure: The container was submerged in the irradiation facility pool, surrounded by Co60 units, and exposed to radiation. The net radiation rate inside the container was 21.91 kGy/h, the total accumulated dose on the sample after 20 days was D2 = 10.45 MGy. D Radiation-induced changes: The irradiated sample vials show a color change in the borosilicate glass after radiation exposure. E DNA extraction and sequencing of irradiated rocks: samples were removed from the vials and processed in the ISO 5 cleanroom, where DNA extraction and sequencing were conducted.
