Mars is a potential host for life, with oxychlorine species, particularly perchlorate, being ubiquitous. Perchlorate's toxicity poses challenges, but its deliquescence forms brines potentially supporting life. This study demonstrates that perchlorate brines support RNA folding and catalysis while negatively affecting protein enzymes. Perchlorate and other oxychlorines enable ribozyme functions, including regulatory behavior and ribozyme-catalyzed chlorination. Nucleic acids appear uniquely suited to Martian environments, suggesting oxychlorine brines could provide a niche for biomolecular evolution.

Tanner G. Hoog, Matthew R. Pawlak, Nathaniel J. Gauth, Gloria C. Baxter, Thomas A. Bethel, Katarzyna P. Adamala, Aaron E. Engelhart