Complex macroscale structures formed by the shock processing of amino acids and nucleobases -- Implications to the Origins of life

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that shock processing of amino acids and nucleobases can lead to the formation of complex macroscale structures within milliseconds, implying potential pathways for prebiotic polymerization beyond Earth.

Contribution

First experimental evidence showing shock-induced formation of complex structures from amino acids and nucleobases, suggesting a new mechanism for prebiotic chemistry in space.

Findings

Shock processed amino acids and nucleobases form macroscale structures.

Structures form within approximately 2 milliseconds.

Supports the idea that impact shocks could contribute to prebiotic molecule assembly in space.

Abstract

The building blocks of life, amino acids and nucleobases, are believed to have been synthesized in the extreme conditions that prevail in space starting from simple molecules containing hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. However, the fate and role of amino acids and nucleobases when they are subjected to similar processes largely remains unexplored. Here we report, for the first time, that shock processed amino acids and nucleobases tend to form complex macroscale structures. Such structures are formed on timescales of about 2 ms. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life could have polymerized not just on Earth but on other planetary bodies. Our study also provides further experimental evidence for the 'threads' observed in meteorites being due to assemblages of (bio)molecules arising from impact induced shocks.