Astrochemistry

Amino Acid Analogues Provide Multiple Plausible Pathways To Prebiotic Peptides

By Keith Cowing
Status Report
Journal Of The Royal Society
July 8, 2024
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Amino Acid Analogues Provide Multiple Plausible Pathways To Prebiotic Peptides
Aminonitrile reaction to form peptide.– Journal Of The Royal Society

Prebiotic peptide synthesis has consistently been a prominent topic within the field of the origin of life.

While research predominantly centres on the 20 classical amino acids, the synthesis process encounters significant thermodynamic barriers. Consequently, amino acid analogues are being explored as potential building blocks for prebiotic peptide synthesis.

This review delves into the pathway of polypeptide formation, identifying specific amino acid analogues that might have existed on early Earth, potentially participating in peptide synthesis and chemical evolution.

Moreover, considering the complexity and variability of the environment on early Earth, we propose the plausibility of coevolution between amino acids and their analogues.

Amino acid analogues provide multiple plausible pathways to prebiotic peptides, Journal Of The Royal Society

Astrobiology, Astrochemistry,

Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) 🖖🏻