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Comets and lifeSome of the chemical species which have been detected in comets include H2O, HCN, CH3CN, CO, CO2, NH3, CS, C2 and C3. All of these have also been detected in the interstellar medium, indicating a probable relationship between interstellar dust and gas clouds and comets. Laboratory experiments carried out with different mixtures of these molecules give rise to the formation of the biochemical compounds which are necessary for life, such as amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, monosaccharides, etc. However, in spite of suggestions to the contrary, the presence of life in comets is unlikely. On the other hand, the capture of cometary matter by the primitive earth is considered essential for the development of life on this planet. The amount of cometary carbon-containing matter captured by the earth, as calcualted by different authors, is several times larger than the total amount of organic matter present in the biosphere (10 to the 18th g). The major classes of reactions which were probably involved in the formation of key biochemical compounds are discussed. The tentative conclusions are that: (1) comets played a predominant role in the emergence of life on earth, and (2) they are the cosmic connection with extraterrestrial life.
Document ID
19880032678
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Oro, J.
(Houston Univ. TX, United States)
Berry, J. M.
(Houston, University TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 7
Issue: 5 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
88A19905
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-005-002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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