Martian Microstructures Resembling Wood Cells: A Comparative Evaluation

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Abstract

Recent imagery from NASA’s Perseverance rover SHERLOC-WATSON camera reveals clusters of rectangular and circular microstructures on Martian rocks, raising questions about their origin. This article critically evaluates whether these structures can be explained by abiotic geological processes or if they better align with known fossilized wood cell morphologies on Earth. The features—spanning 60–120 µm, regularly arranged, and combining rounded and rectangular morphologies—are highly reminiscent of xylem vessel elements and parenchyma cells. No terrestrial abiotic analog replicates this modular geometry at such consistent size ranges. The evidence supports a biological template, possibly fossilized plant tissue.

1. Introduction

Images from the SHERLOC-WATSON camera aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover have captured unusual microstructures on Martian surfaces. These features include clusters of rectangular and circular depressions or voids on exposed rock faces. Their distinct morphology and arrangement have prompted a deeper comparison with both abiotic mineralogical structures and known biological forms, particularly wood cells from terrestrial plants.

Figure 1

2. Observations

- Rectangular and circular structures range from 60–120 µm in width.
– The shapes appear repeated across the field and are highlighted with red arrows.
– No motion blur or digital artifacts are visible.
– Features exhibit shadows and 3D relief, suggesting they are not surface stains but physical pits or inclusions.

3. Abiotic vs. Biogenic Comparisons

3.1 Abiotic Analogs

Geological features such as vesicles in basalt, mineral cleavages (e.g., feldspar), and sedimentary casts were evaluated. However, none combine angular and rounded forms at the micrometer scale with such regularity. No known abiotic process forms dozens of co-located rectangular and circular structures, each 60–120 µm in diameter, in organized arrays.

3.2 Biogenic Comparisons

On Earth, vessel elements in wood often show polygonal or rectangular cross-sections, while ray and parenchyma cells appear more rounded. Their sizes range from 50 µm to 300 µm, matching the Martian dimensions. Permineralized fossil wood frequently preserves such morphology, especially in angiosperms. These features also resemble sieve plates or pit membranes in some fossil phloem structures.

Table 1. Morphological Evaluation of Origin Hypotheses

4. Conclusion

The features documented in the Perseverance image from Sol 1610 bear a compelling resemblance to fossilized xylem or wood parenchyma. Given their morphology, distribution, and dimensions—unmatched by known abiotic formations—these microstructures are best explained as biological in origin. If confirmed, this would mark one of the most direct pieces of visual evidence for ancient Martian life. 

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