Pre-biotic organic synthesis: laboratory simulation experiments and their significance for the origin of life in the solar system

Michael H. Engel

doi:10.1117/12.890456

23 September 2011 Pre-biotic organic synthesis: laboratory simulation experiments and their significance for the origin of life in the solar system

Michael H. Engel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV; 815208 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.890456
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

It is commonly assumed that the origin of life on Earth and perhaps elsewhere in the solar system was preceded by the synthesis and accumulation of organic compounds essential for life as we know it (e.g. amino acids, sugars, purines, pyrimidines, etc.) by non-biological processes. Over the past century, laboratory simulation experiments using a variety of inorganic precursors and energy sources have resulted in the synthesis of some, but not all of the compounds required for life. More importantly, the mechanisms by which these simple organic compounds initially combined to form the more complex structures (proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) upon which all life is based remain elusive. Here we report a summary of the progress to date concerning pathways for the pre-biotic synthesis of organic matter and their significance for the origin of life in the solar system.

Citation Download Citation

Michael H. Engel "Pre-biotic organic synthesis: laboratory simulation experiments and their significance for the origin of life in the solar system", Proc. SPIE 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV, 815208 (23 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.890456

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