Formation of extraterrestrial peptides and their derivatives

Sci Adv. 2024 Apr 19;10(16):eadj7179. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7179. Epub 2024 Apr 17.

Abstract

The formation of protein precursors, due to the condensation of atomic carbon under the low-temperature conditions of the molecular phases of the interstellar medium, opens alternative pathways for the origin of life. We perform peptide synthesis under conditions prevailing in space and provide a comprehensive analytic characterization of its products. The application of 13C allowed us to confirm the suggested pathway of peptide formation that proceeds due to the polymerization of aminoketene molecules that are formed in the C + CO + NH3 reaction. Here, we address the question of how the efficiency of peptide production is modified by the presence of water molecules. We demonstrate that although water slightly reduces the efficiency of polymerization of aminoketene, it does not prevent the formation of peptides.

MeSH terms

  • Extraterrestrial Environment* / chemistry
  • Peptides
  • Water* / chemistry

Substances

  • Water
  • Peptides