Enhanced Synthesis of Alkyl Amino Acids in Miller's 1958 H 2S Experiment

Eric T. Parker, H. James Cleaves, Michael P. Callahan, Jason P. Dworkin, Daniel P. Glavin, Antonio Lazcano, Jeffrey L. Bada

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stanley Miller's 1958 H 2S-containing experiment, which included a simulated prebiotic atmosphere of methane (CH 4), ammonia (NH 3), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) produced several alkyl amino acids, including the α-, β-, and γ-isomers of aminobutyric acid (ABA) in greater relative yields than had previously been reported from his spark discharge experiments. In the presence of H 2S, aspartic and glutamic acids could yield alkyl amino acids via the formation of thioimide intermediates. Radical chemistry initiated by passing H 2S through a spark discharge could have also enhanced alkyl amino acid synthesis by generating alkyl radicals that can help form the aldehyde and ketone precursors to these amino acids. We propose mechanisms that may have influenced the synthesis of certain amino acids in localized environments rich in H 2S and lightning discharges, similar to conditions near volcanic systems on the early Earth, thus contributing to the prebiotic chemical inventory of the primordial Earth.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)569-574
Number of pages6
JournalOrigins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres
Volume41
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Hydrogen sulfide
  • Spark discharge
  • Stanley Miller

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Enhanced Synthesis of Alkyl Amino Acids in Miller's 1958 H 2S Experiment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this