The punishing clouds of Venus, long considered inhospitable to complex organic chemistry due to their lack of water, may host a DNA-like molecule capable of forming genetic material for life radically different from that on Earth, new research reveals.
Composed of sulfuric acid droplets mixed with chlorine, iron, and other compounds, Venus’ atmosphere has been viewed as too hostile for life. However, a study led by Wrocław University of Science and Technology demonstrates that peptide nucleic acid (PNA)—a structural relative of DNA—can survive in lab conditions mimicking Venus’ acidic clouds.
Published in Science Advances, the findings reveal that PNA remains stable in a 98% sulfuric acid solution at room temperature for up to two weeks. This suggests that concentrated sulfuric acid could support diverse organic chemistry, potentially serving as the foundation for an alternative form of life.
“Many assume sulfuric acid destroys all organic molecules, but that’s not entirely true,” said lead author Dr. Janusz Jurand Petkowski. “While some biochemicals, like sugars, break down, others—such as nitrogenous bases, amino acids, and certain dipeptides—remain intact.”
The study builds on previous discoveries, including 2020 findings of phosphine, a possible biosignature gas, in Venus’ atmosphere. That same year, Cardiff University researchers detected ammonia, another potential biomarker. Dr. William Bains of Cardiff University, involved in both studies, noted that while Venus’ clouds are lethal to Earth-like life, concentrated sulfuric acid might serve as a solvent for alternative biochemistry.
The research also opens new avenues for understanding sulfuric acid’s industrial applications. However, further work is needed, as PNA degrades at temperatures above 50°C. “Our next goal is to find a genetic polymer stable across Venus’ cloud temperatures, from 0°C to 100°C,” said Dr. Petkowski. “This is just the first step.”
The study, a collaboration with MIT, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Symeres, reinforces the possibility of exotic life in extreme environments — both on Venus and beyond.
For more details, read the full article by Cardiff University.