Isotopic Criteria for Identification of Organic Carbon on Earth and Meteorites |
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Authors: | Galimov EM |
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Institution: | (1) V.I. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Kosygin 19, Russia |
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Abstract: | Contrary to the often stated view, an enrichment of organic material in the light isotope is not a conclusive evidence of
its life-related origin. The β13C - σ13C correlation is a special feature of biological systems. Therefore it can be used as a criterion for identification of organic
carbon. A survey of the available isotopic data for organic compounds in meteorites shows that they do not comply with the
β13C - σ13C correlation. The prevalence of amino and hydroxy acids in purines and sugars found in carbonaceous meteorites indicates
that condensation of HCN and HCHO passed through cyanohydrin reaction, while biological evolution proceeds through formation
of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This, in addition to the isotope criterion, indicates that the organic compounds in carbonaceous
chondrites are not life-related substances.
This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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