DNA Building Blocks could be built in Space

Published: November 5, 2011

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration funded researchers have discovered proof that a few building blocks of DNA, found in meteorites were probably shaped in space
  • This research supports the theory that a kit of ready-made parts created in space and delivered to Earth by meteorite and comet impacts assisted the origin of life
  • The finding increases proof that the chemistry within asteroids and comets is competent of creating building blocks of vital biological molecules
  • The team discovered adenine and guanine, which are constituents of DNA called nucleobases, as well as hypoxanthine and xanthine
  • The team also discovered trace amounts of three molecules related to nucleobases: purine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 6,8-diaminopurine; the latter two almost never used in biology

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