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Amino acids and hydrocarbons approximately 3,800-Myr old in the Isua rocks, southwestern GreenlandResults of an analysis of amino acids and hydrocarbons found in the Isua banded iron formation, which contains the oldest known rocks on earth, are discussed. Similarities are pointed out between the relative amino acid abundances of the Isua rocks and those of lichens found on their surfaces, and a lack of substantial racemization indicated by the low D/L ratios in the 3800-million year old rock samples is noted. Experimental results showing the possibility of amino acid diffusion from lichens into the rocks are presented. Comparisons of the Isua rock amino acid D/L ratios with those reported for samples from other regions indicates that none of the Isua amino acids are older than a few tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand years. Analyses of the saturated hydrocarbons of the Isua samples reveals no odd carbon number preference, which may indicate antiquity, however laboratory experiments have shown that amino acids and aromatic and saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons could not have survived the metamorphic history of the Isua rocks. The evidence presented thus suggests that the amino acids and hydrocarbons found are not of the age of the sediments.
Document ID
19810033646
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Nagy, B.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Engel, M. H.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Zumberge, J. E.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Ogino, H.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Chang, S. Y.
(Arizona, University Tucson, Ariz., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 8, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 289
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
81A18050
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-03-002-171
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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