All five DNA and RNA bases found in Ryugu asteroid samples
Scientists have identified all five nucleobases—the “letters” used to build DNA and RNA—in samples from the asteroid Ryugu. The detection shows that these essential molecular building blocks were present in space billions of years ago.
Combined with evidence from other asteroids and meteorites, the Ryugu findings indicate that nucleobases may have been widespread throughout the early Solar System. The discovery provides further support for the idea that the chemical precursors of life existed before life emerged on Earth.