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Prebiotic synthesis in atmospheres containing CH4, CO, and CO2. I - Amino acidsThe prebiotic synthesis of amino acids, HCN, H2CO, and NH3 using a spark discharge on various simulated primitive earth atmospheres at 25 C is investigated. Various mixtures of CH4, CO, CO2, N2, NH3, H2O, and H2 were utilized in different experiments. The yields of amino acids (1.2-4.7 percent based on the carbon) are found to be approximately independent of the H2/CH4 ratio and the presence of NH3, and a wide variety of amino acids are obtained. Glycine is found to be almost the only amino acid produced from CO and CO2 model atmospheres, with the maximum yield being about the same for the three carbon sources at high H2/carbon ratios,whereas CH4 is superior at low H2/carbon ratios. In addition, it is found that the directly synthesized NH3 together with the NH3 obtained from the hydrolysis of HCN, nitriles, and urea could have been a major source of ammonia in the atmosphere and oceans of the primitive earth. It is determined that prebiotic syntheses from HCN and H2CO to give products such as purines and sugars and some amino acids could have occurred in primitive atmospheres containing CO and CO2 provided the H2/CO and H2/CO2 ratios were greater than about 1.0.
Document ID
19830068403
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schlesinger, G.
(California Univ. La Jolla, CA, United States)
Miller, S. L.
(California, University La Jolla, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Molecular Evolution
Volume: 19
ISSN: 0022-2844
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
83A49621
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-20
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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