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Nucleobase synthesis in interstellar ices.

Yasuhiro Oba1, Yoshinori Takano2,3, Hiroshi Naraoka4,5

  • 1Institute of Low Temperature Science (ILTS), Hokkaido University, N19W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0819, Japan. oba@lowtem.hokudai.ac.jp.

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Scientists detected all six essential nucleobases, including cytosine, uracil, thymine, adenine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine, in simulated interstellar ice. This finding supports the theory that these life-building blocks form in space during star and planet formation.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrochemistry
  • Prebiotic Chemistry
  • Origin of Life Studies

Background:

  • The origin of nucleobases, essential for life, in natural environments like interstellar molecular clouds is a significant area of research in prebiotic chemical evolution.
  • Understanding nucleobase synthesis pathways is crucial for determining the potential for life beyond Earth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the simultaneous synthesis of pyrimidine and purine nucleobases under simulated interstellar conditions.
  • To assess the role of ultraviolet photolysis and thermal processing in the formation of nucleobases in space.

Main Methods:

  • Creation of interstellar ice analogues using water (H2O), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), and methanol (CH3OH).
  • Exposure of these analogues to ultraviolet (UV) photons at 10 Kelvin.
  • Subsequent thermal processing to simulate conditions during star formation.

Main Results:

  • Simultaneous detection of all three pyrimidine nucleobases (cytosine, uracil, thymine) and three purine nucleobases (adenine, xanthine, hypoxanthine).
  • Evidence suggests photolysis of simple gas molecules at low temperatures is a key step in nucleobase production.
  • The study demonstrates that conditions in molecular clouds evolving into stars and planets can facilitate nucleobase synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • The findings strongly support the hypothesis that interstellar environments are capable of producing the fundamental nucleobases necessary for life.
  • This research provides a plausible pathway for the delivery of nucleobases to early Earth and other celestial bodies.
  • The study highlights the significance of astrochemistry in understanding the origins of life.