Abstraction of peptides and their derivatives.
In a new study published in Science Advances, the formation of extraterrestrial peptides and their derivatives are examined. The study suggests that although some of the organic molecules necessary for the origin of life can also be formed on Earth, delivery from space could provide distinct advantages because it can deliver the molecules in concentrated form. In addition, delivery from space can provide a wider range of organic molecules than may not be possible from Earth alone.
Abstract
The formation of protein precursors, due to the condensation of atomic carbon under the low-temperature conditions of the molecular phases of the interstellar medium, opens alternative pathways for the origin of life. We perform peptide synthesis under conditions prevailing in space and provide a comprehensive analytic characterization of its products. The application of 13C allowed us to confirm the suggested pathway of peptide formation that proceeds due to the polymerization of aminoketene molecules that are formed in the C + CO + NH3 reaction. Here, we address the question of how the efficiency of peptide production is modified by the presence of water molecules. We demonstrate that although water slightly reduces the efficiency of polymerization of aminoketene, it does not prevent the formation of peptides.
