Abiotic synthesis of amino acids and self-crystallization under prebiotic conditions.

ABSTRACT: Building on previous research on the origin and homochirality of life, this study focuses on analyses profiling important building blocks of life: the natural amino acids. The spark discharge variation of the iconic Miller experiment was performed with a reducing gas mixture of ammonia, methane, water and hydrogen. Amino acid analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry after pre-column derivatizaiton revealed the generation of several amino acids including those essential for life. Re-crystallization of the synthetic products and enantiomeric ratio analysis were subsequently performed. Results from liquid chromatography coupled with either fluorescent detector or tandem mass spectrometry after pre-column derivatization with chiral reagent revealed spontaneous

SUBMITTER: Jiang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4209460 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature