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Abiotic synthesis of purines and other heterocyclic compounds by the action of electrical dischargesThe synthesis of purines and pyrimidines using Oparin-Urey-type primitive earth atmospheres has been demonstrated by reacting methane, ethane, and ammonia in electrical discharges. Adenine, guaine, 4-aminoimidazole-5-carboxamide (AICA), and isocytosine have been identified by UV spectrometry and paper chromatography as the products of the reaction. The total yields of the identified heterocyclic compounds are 0.0023 percent. It is concluded that adenine synthesis occurs at a much lower concentration of hydrogen cyanide than has been shown by earlier studies. Pathways for the synthesis of purines from hydrogen cyanide are discussed, and a comparison of the heterocyclic compounds that have been identified in meteorites and in prebiotic reactions is presented.
Document ID
19850041717
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Yuasa, S.
(Osaka, University Osaka, Japan; Houston, University, Houston, TX, United States)
Flory, D.
(Flory Consultants, Environmental, Inc., Pearland; Houston, University Houston, TX, United States)
Basile, B.
(Osaka Univ. Osaka, Japan)
Oro, J.
(Houston, University Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Molecular Evolution
Volume: 21
Issue: 1 19
ISSN: 0022-2844
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
85A23868
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-005-002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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