The role of ionizing radiation in primordial organic synthesis.

Attempt to reveal how ionizing radiation may have been effective in producing the molecules necessary for life. In examining the sequence of events leading to the appearance of the first organisms the problem is considered in two parts: the formation of the small molecules such as amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, and carbohydrates; and the condensation of these molecules to give rise to polypeptides and polynucleotides. It is concluded that in the accumulation of organic compounds on the early earth ionizing radiation was not only a substantial part of the available energy, but was also an effective form of energy.