Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1773434 Icarus 2012 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

We present new kinetics data on the radiolytic destruction of amino acids measured in situ with infrared spectroscopy. Samples were irradiated at 15, 100, and 140 K with 0.8-MeV protons, and amino-acid decay was followed at each temperature with and without H2O present. Observed radiation products included CO2 and amines, consistent with amino-acid decarboxylation. The half-lives of glycine, alanine, and phenylalanine were estimated for various extraterrestrial environments. Infrared spectral changes demonstrated the conversion from the non-zwitterion structure NH2CH2(R)COOH at 15 K to the zwitterion structure +NH3CH2(R)COO− at 140 K for each amino acid studied.

► We present new kinetics data on the radiolytic destruction of amino acids at 15, 100, and 140 K. ► The amino acids glycine, alanine, and phenylalanine were studied. ► Destruction of amino acids was measured in situ with infrared spectroscopy. ► The half-lives of amino acids were estimated for various extraterrestrial environments.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Space and Planetary Science
Authors
, , , ,