First results of the RAMBAS experiment on investigation of the radiation mechanism of chiral influence

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 2008 Apr;38(2):155-63. doi: 10.1007/s11084-008-9127-4. Epub 2008 Feb 27.

Abstract

The first results of the RAdiation Mechanism of Biomolecular ASymmetry (RAMBAS) experiment on investigation of the radiation mechanism of the influence on chiral molecules, as a factor leading to origination of chiral asymmetry are presented. It was found that irradiation of simple achiral materials by a flux of electrons from radioactive source initiated the synthesis of amino acids, and it resulted in asymmetric degradation and chiral asymmetry in a racemic mixture of amino acids. The results obtained can be important for the solution of the origin-of-life and biological homochirality problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Origin of Life*
  • Protons
  • Radiation, Ionizing
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Protons