Figure 2.

Decomposition of 1.5 mg/L yeast RNA in the presence of 10 g/L pyrite. RNA was exposed to pyrite in the absence of O₂. Samples were taken after centrifuging the vials to prevent loss of pyrite. Upon 98% decomposition of RNA, the aqueous phase was removed and replaced with a fresh RNA solution. The experiment was continued beyond that shown. After seven days and three more replacements of the RNA solution, RNA continued to be degraded but at a slower rate. For comparison, an experiment with pyrite and RNA and the addition of 1 mM EDTA shows no loss in RNA.