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On the origin of biological chirality via natural beta-decayAn hypothesis to account for the chirality (handedness) of some biological molecules is given. Experimental evidence suggests that longitudinally polarized electrons having the chirality of terrestrial beta-decay electrons remove dextro-leucine from a racemic mixture. If, by a similar mechanism, the terrestrial environment provided more levo- than dextro-amino acids, that would account for the chirality now observed in organic molecules. An isotope of potassium has been proposed as the natural beta-emitter responsible for biomolecular chirality; however, Carbon 14 may be an even more plausible candidate. Ready availability of the carbon isotope in the terrestrial environment of 4.5 aeons ago, and the role of leucine in protein synthesis indicate that these two agents may have been chief factors in the evolution of biomolecular chirality. Suggestions for further research in this area are made.
Document ID
19770060153
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Noyes, H. P.
(Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Bonner, W. A.
(Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Tomlin, J. A.
(Stanford University Stanford, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life
Volume: 8
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
77A43005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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