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The spark discharge synthesis of amino acids from various hydrocarbonsThe spark discharge synthesis of amino acids using an atmosphere of CH4+N2+H2O+NH3 has been investigated with variable pNH3. The amino acids produced using higher hydrocarbons (ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, butane, and isobutane) instead of CH4 were also investigated. There was considerable range in the absolute yields of amino acids, but the yields relative to glycine (or alpha-amino-n-butyric acid) were more uniform. The relative yields of the C3 to C6 aliphatic alpha-amino acids are nearly the same (with a few exceptions) with all the hydrocarbons. The glycine yields are more variable. The precursors to the C3-C6 aliphatic amino acids seem to be produced in the same process, which is separate from the synthesis of glycine precursors. It may be possible to use these relative yields as a signature for a spark discharge synthesis provided corrections can be made for subsequent decomposition events (e.g. in the Murchison meteorite).
Document ID
19850030045
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ring, D.
(Cetus Corp., Immune Div., Palo Alto; California, University La Jolla, CA, United States)
Miller, S. L.
(California, University La Jolla, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life
Volume: 15
Issue: 1 19
ISSN: 0302-1688
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
85A12196
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-20
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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