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Alexander and Colleagues Discover Meteorites Rich in Amino Acids |
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Monday, 17 March 2008 |
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Conel Alexander, Marilyn Fogel of the Geophysical Laboratory, and colleagues have discovered concentrations of amino acids in two meteorites—ten times higher than levels previously measured in other similar meteorites—indicating that the early solar system was far richer in these organic substances than previously thought. The study will appear in the upcoming issue of Meteoritics and Planetary Science.
Alexander and colleagues took small samples from three CR chondrites, thought to contain the oldest and most primitive organic materials found in meteorites. Their analysis revealed that while one sample showed a relatively low abundance of amino acids, the other two meteorites had the highest ever seen in primitive meteorites—180 and 249 ppm. Other primitive meteorites that have been studied generally have amino acid concentrations of 15 ppm or less.
Alexander comments, “The amino acids probably formed within the parent body before it broke up. For instance, ammonia and other chemical precursors from the solar nebula, or even the interstellar medium, could have combined in the presence of water to make the amino acids. Then, after the break up, some of the fragments could have showered down onto the Earth and the other terrestrial planets. These same precursors are likely to have been present in other primitive bodies, such as comets, that were also raining material onto the early Earth.”
To view an abstract of the paper, click here. For more information, see the CIW Press Release.
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