Abstract
THE amino acids that have been identified in several meteorites1,2 can be divided into two classes: those present in proteins and those which are not. The presence of the non-protein amino acids, D- and L-β-aminoisobutyric acid and β-alanine, is described as evidence for the indigenous origin of meteorite amino acids and against terrestrial contamination1. It is implied that these β-amino acids arise by prebiotic condensation of ammonia, methane, hydrogen, water and other simple primordial molecules3. The β-amino acids and other amino acids can arise from simple molecules by Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in the laboratory. Hydrogen, carbon dioxide and ammonia were heated to high temperatures in the presence of natural catalysts expected to be present in the solar nebula4.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Lawless, J. G., Kvenvolden, K. A., Peterson, E., Ponnamperuma, C., and Moore, C., Science, 173, 626 (1971).
Lawless, J. G., Kvenvolden, K. A., Peterson, E., Ponnamperuma, C., and Jarosewick, E., Nature, 236, 66 (1972).
Miller, S. L., Science, 117, 528 (1953).
Anders, E., Hayatsu, R., and Studier, M. H., Science, 182, 781 (1973).
Lawless, J. G., and Boynton, C. D., Nature, 243, 405 (1973).
Crumpler, H. R., Dent, C. E., Harris, H., and Westall, R. G., Nature, 167, 307 (1951).
Asen, S., Thompson, J. F., Morris, C. J., and Irreverre, F., J. biol. Chem., 234, 343 (1959).
Campbell, J. W., Biol. Bull., 119, 75 (1960).
Awapara, J., and Allen, K., Science, 130, 1250 (1959).
Evered, D. F., Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 23, 163 (1967).
Block, W. D., and Hubbard, R. W., Archs Biochem. Biophys., 96, 557 (1962).
Awapara, J., and Shullenberger, C. C., Clin. Chim. Acta, 2, 119 (1957).
Fink, K., Henderson, R. N., and Fink, R. M., J. biol. Chem., 197, 441 (1957).
Gartler, S. M., Archs Biochem. Biophys., 80, 400 (1959).
Cannelakis, E. S., J. biol. Chem., 221, 315 (1956).
Hayatsu, R., Science, 146, 1291 (1964).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
EVERED, D. Origin proposed for non-protein amino acids in meteorites. Nature 252, 388 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/252388a0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/252388a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.