Generation of polypeptide and polynucleotide in the upper crust of the early Earth

本研究的主要目的是模拟早期地球条件下氨基酸和核苷酸的合成和聚合。特别强调了陨石撞击对氨基酸生成的作用，以及高压和高温条件对氨基酸聚合的作用。在本研究中使用了各种实验设备，包括冲击诱发仪器和高压高压灭菌器。分析基本上是通过该项目购买的HPLC进行的。实验首次证实了氨的生成，氨是氨基酸的氮源。大部分陨石物质的蒸发也得到了证实，这表明撞击后的羽流很容易产生，这可能是氨基酸合成的反应中心。在高P和高T条件下，氨基酸的聚合也被证实可以进行到9个肽，这是单氨基酸合成的世界纪录。还发现了硫化矿物对氨基酸聚合的重要性。研究还证实了磷酸矿物对核苷酸的热稳定性和作用。这些结果为生命起源提出了新的化学演化模型。通过这项研究，出版了两本教科书，为公众宣传做出了贡献。

The main purpose of this study is to synthesize and polymerize amino acids and nucleotide experimentally simulating the early Earth conditions. In particular, roles of meteorite impact for the amino acid generation are emphasized in this study in addition to roles of high pressure and temperature conditions for polymerization of amino acids. Various experimental apparatus were used in this study including shock-induced instruments and high pressure autoclaves. Analyses were essentially made by HPLC purchased through this project. Generation of ammonia, which are nitrogen sources for the amino acids was experimentally confirmed first time. Vaporization of most meteorite materials were also confirmed suggesting that the post impact plume, which may have been reaction center for the amino acid synthesis, has been easily produced. Polymerization of amino acids is also confirmed to proceed under high P and T conditions up to 9-peptide, which is the world record for the synthesis from single amino acids. It is also found that the importance of sulfide minerals for the polymerization of amino acids. Thermal stability and role of phosphate minerals for nucleotide is also confirmed in this study. These results lead to propose new chemical evolution model for the origin of life. Through this study, two text books were published contributing public outreach.