Isotope chirality and asymmetric autocatalysis: a possible entry to biological chirality

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 2008 Aug;38(4):317-27. doi: 10.1007/s11084-008-9138-1. Epub 2008 Jun 3.

Abstract

Natural-abundance isotopic substitution in isotopically prochiral groups of otherwise achiral molecules can provide stochastically formed enantiomeric excesses which exceed the sensitivity threshold of sensitive asymmetric autocatalytic (Soai-type) reactions. This kind of induction of chirality should be taken into consideration in in vitro model experiments and offer a new kind of entry into primary prebiotic or early biotic enantioselection in the earliest stages of molecular evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biology / methods*
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry / methods
  • Hydrogen / chemistry
  • Isotopes*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Probability
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen