The role of cometary particle coalescence in chemical evolution

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 1989;19(1):39-55. doi: 10.1007/BF01808286.

Abstract

Important prebiotic organic compounds might have been transported to Earth in dust or produced in vapor clouds resulting from atmospheric explosions or impacts of comets. These compounds coalesced in the upper atmosphere with particles ejected from craters formed by impacts of large objects. Coalescence during exposure to UV radiation concentrated organic monomers and enhanced formation of oligomers. Continuing coalescence added material to the growing particles and shielded prebiotic compounds from prolonged UV radiation. These particles settled into the lower atmosphere where they were scavenged by rain. Aqueous chemistry and evaporation of raindrops containing nomomers in high temperature regions near the Earth's surface also promoted continued formation of oligomers. Finally, these oligomers were deposited in the oceans where continued prebiotic evolution led to the most primitive cell. Results of our studies suggest that prebiotic chemical evolution may be an inevitable consequence of impacting comets during the late accretion of planets anywhere in the universe if oceans remained on those planetary surfaces.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids
  • Atmosphere
  • Cosmic Dust
  • Earth, Planet*
  • Evolution, Chemical*
  • Meteoroids*
  • Origin of Life*
  • Photolysis
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Cosmic Dust