Abiotic Synthesis of Amino Acids by Proton Irradiation of a Mixture of Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen, and Water

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/cl.1989.1527

We have shown that proton irradiation simulating the action of cosmic rays and solar flare particles formed proteinous and non-proteinous amino acids such as glycine, alanine, aspartic acid and β-alanine from a mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water.The yield of amino acids per unit energy was the highest obtained among various prebiotic energy sources used.This result suggests the possibility of the formation of amino acids mildly reduced primitive atmospheres on the earth.