Unusual stable isotope ratios in amino acid and carboxylic acid extracts from the Murchison meteorite

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Unusual stable isotope ratios in amino acid and carboxylic acid extracts from the Murchison meteorite

External Online Source:

doi:10.1038/326477a0

Author and Affiliation:

Epstein, S.	(California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA, United States)
Krishnamurthy, R. V.	(California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States)
Cronin, J. R.	(California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA, United States)
Pizzarello, S.	(California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA, United States)
Yuen, G. U.	(Arizona State University, Tempe, United States)

Abstract:

The isotopic composition of hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon in amino acid and monocarboxylic acid extracts from the Murchison meteorite has been determined. The unusually high D/H and N-15/N-14 ratios in the amino acid fraction are uniquely characteristic of known interstellar organic materials. The delta D value of the monocarboxylic acid fraction is lower but still consistent with an interstellar origin. These results confirm the extraterrestrial origin of both classes of compound and provide the first evidence suggesting a direct relationship between the massive organosynthesis occurring in interstellar clouds and the presence of prebiotic compounds in primitive planetary bodies.

Publication Date:

Apr 02, 1987

Document ID:

19870051638

(Acquired Nov 28, 1995)

Accession Number:

87A38912

Subject Category:

SPACE BIOLOGY

Document Type:

Journal Article

Publication Information:

Nature (ISSN 0028-0836); 326; 477-479

Publisher Information:

United Kingdom

Contract/Grant/Task Num:

NAG9-46; NSG-7255

Financial Sponsor:

NASA; United States

Organization Source:

California Inst. of Tech.; Pasadena, CA, United States
Arizona State Univ.; Tempe, AZ, United States

Description:

3p; In English

Distribution Limits:

Unclassified; Publicly available; Unlimited

Rights:

NASA Terms:

AMINO ACIDS; CARBOXYLIC ACIDS; CONCENTRATION (COMPOSITION); ISOTOPES; MURCHISON METEORITE; BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION; DEUTERIUM; INTERSTELLAR MATTER; NITROGEN 15

Imprint And Other Notes:

Nature (ISSN 0028-0836), vol. 326, April 2, 1987, p. 477-479.

Availability Source:

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