Study finds primordial soup might be partially extraterrestrial

by William Atkins

Friday, 28 March 2008

Page 1 of 2 ! Science fiction writers have popularized the notion that life on Earth originated from outer space. In line with this thinking, scientists have discovered three Antarctic meteorites that contain high amounts of amino acids, the building blocks that can spawn life. The U.S./U.K. researchers already knew that CR (carbonaceous chondrite) meteorites contain some of the most primitive meteoritic insoluble organic material ever found in meteorites. This primitive material (formed when the solar system was itself just forming) is very similar to insoluble organic matter found in interplanetary dust particles, also formed early in the solar system. In their study, the scientists report the first-ever measurement of amino acids found in CR meteorites within Antarctica. Amino acids are organic molecules that are the foundation of proteins. And, proteins provide the structure of living cells and permit chemical reactions to proceed inside of such living cells. The production of proteins is believed by scientists to be one of the initial steps to life itself. Scientists have determined that amino acids found on Earth initiated the process of life. But, some scientists think that extraterrestrial amino acids could have helped that process along. CR meteorites were formed when the solar system was just beginning to form, and contain extraterrestrial amino acids. Thus, a CR meteorite could have contacted or impacted Earth early in its history, and deposited its supply of amino acids on Earth. It’s just a theory, scientists really don’t know for sure. Just how high was the concentration of amino acids found in the meteorites? Please read on. << First page <   1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

< Next story in category		Previous story in the category >

Visitors last 30 days Suscribers

904,266 13,751