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Self-assembling amphiphilic molecules: Synthesis in simulated interstellar/precometary ices.

J Dworkin1, D Deamer, S Sandford

  • 1Astrochemistry Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|February 7, 2001
PubMed
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UV photolysis of interstellar ice analogs produced complex molecules, some capable of self-assembly. This finding offers insights into extraterrestrial organic compounds and the origin of life on Earth.

Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Planetary Science
  • Organic Chemistry

Background:

  • The solar system originated from interstellar gas and dust.
  • Comets and interplanetary dust delivered volatile materials and organic compounds to early planets.
  • Extraterrestrial organic compounds may have been crucial for life's origin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the synthesis and composition of interstellar ices.
  • Analyze the properties of molecules produced from interstellar ice analogs.
  • Determine the relevance of these molecules to the origin of life.

Main Methods:

  • UV photolysis of realistic interstellar ice analogs.
  • Analysis of the resulting molecular mixture.
  • Assessment of self-assembly properties of produced components.

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Main Results:

  • UV photolysis yielded a complex mixture of organic molecules.
  • Some resulting molecules exhibited self-assembly into vesicular structures.
  • These findings highlight the potential for extraterrestrial delivery of prebiotic compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Interstellar ices are a source of complex organic molecules.
  • Photolysis of interstellar ices can produce prebiotic compounds.
  • These compounds may have played a role in abiogenesis.