Origin of homochirality in biosystems

Int J Mol Sci. 2009 Mar;10(3):1290-1299. doi: 10.3390/ijms10031290. Epub 2009 Mar 18.

Abstract

Experimental data for a series of central and simple molecules in biosystems show that some amino acids and a simple sugar molecule have a chiral discrimination in favor of homochirality. Models for segregation of racemic mixtures of chiral amphiphiles and lipophiles in aqueous solutions show that the amphiphiles with an active isomerization kinetics can perform a spontaneous break of symmetry during the segregation and self-assembly to homochiral matter. Based on this observation it is argued that biomolecules with a sufficiently strong chiral discrimination could be the origin of homochirality in biological systems.

Keywords: Origin of Life; Origin of chirality; Prebiotic self-assambly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Carbohydrates / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Probiotics / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Carbohydrates