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Amino acids in meteorites
1Department of Chemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Carbonaceous chondrites, like the Murchison meteorite, contain diverse amino acids, including many previously unknown on Earth. These meteorites offer insights into extraterrestrial chemical evolution and the origins of life's building blocks.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Organic Geochemistry
- Cosmochemistry
Background:
- Carbonaceous chondrites are key extraterrestrial materials preserving records of early solar system chemical evolution.
- These meteorites contain a complex array of organic compounds, including significant concentrations of amino acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the types and concentrations of amino acids found in carbonaceous chondrites, specifically CI1 and CM2 types.
- To investigate the origin and diversity of extraterrestrial amino acids, particularly in the Murchison meteorite.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of free amino acids and acid-labile derivatives using hot-water from meteorite samples.
- Extensive analysis of amino acid composition, including identification and quantification.
- Characterization of structural diversity, including acyclic and cyclic forms, and enantiomeric ratios.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two amino acids were identified in the Murchison meteorite, with 33 being novel to natural materials outside of carbonaceous chondrites.
- Amino acids ranged from C2 to C8, exhibiting diverse structures including monoamino alkanoic and alkandioic acids.
- Amino acid enantiomers were found in nearly equal amounts, and concentrations decreased exponentially with increasing carbon number.
Conclusions:
- Carbonaceous chondrites, particularly the Murchison meteorite, are significant sources of diverse, naturally occurring amino acids.
- The findings support the role of meteorites in delivering prebiotic organic molecules to early Earth, potentially contributing to the origin of life.
- Terrestrial processes may explain compositional differences observed among CM2 chondrites.