Click here @sssfactstamil_ Follow for more . . Carbon is critical to life, as far as we know. So anytime we detect a strong carbon signature somewhere like Mars, it could indicate biological activity. Does a strong carbon signal in Martian rocks indicate biological processes of some type? Any strong carbon signal is intriguing when you’re hunting for life. It’s a common element in all the forms of life we know of. But there are different types of carbon, and carbon can become concentrated in the environment for other reasons. It doesn’t automatically mean life is involved in carbon signatures. Carbon atoms always have six protons, but the neutron count can vary. Carbon atoms with different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes. Three carbon isotopes occur naturally: C12 and C13, which are stable, and C14, a radionuclide. C12 has six neutrons, C13 has seven neutrons, and C14 has eight neutrons. When it comes to carbon isotopes, life prefers C12. They use it in photosynthesis or to metabolize food. The reason is relatively simple. C12 has one fewer neutron than C13, which means that when it bonds with other atoms into molecules, it makes fewer connections than C13 does in the same situation. Life is essentially lazy, and it will always seek the easiest way to do things. C12 is easier to use because it forms fewer bonds than C13. It’s easier to get at than C13, and life never takes the hard way when an easier way is available. We do our best With you we do more . . #sssfactstamil #tamilsssfacts #factsonly #space #time #astrophysics #astronomy #cosmos #factsdaily #astro #brain #physics #spacetamil #universe #mars #galaxy #science #nasa #isro #status #story #spacex #newtoday #update #facts #space #postseries #dustyred #news #facts #picoftheday https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZF-K2Bwzm/?utm_medium=tumblr