Meteorite-catalyzed syntheses of nucleosides and of other prebiotic compounds from formamide under proton irradiation

TLDR

Modern origin‑of‑life research began with Urey–Miller’s 1953 experiment, and formamide—now recognized as a key prebiotic precursor—is abundant in interstellar space, yet prior syntheses relied mainly on terrestrial thermal energy and catalysts. Carboxylic acids and amino acids complete the recipe. Meteorite irradiation of formamide with high‑energy protons yields unprecedented nucleobases, sugars, and nucleosides, expanding prebiotic scenarios beyond Earth.

Abstract

Significance Modern research on the origin of life started with Urey–Miller’s 1953 report on the spontaneous formation of amino acids upon application of electric discharge on a model of the pristine Earth atmosphere. Formamide provides a chemically sound starting material for the syntheses of prebiotic compounds; its role in prebiotics is becoming recognized. Kiloparsecs-wide clouds of formamide were observed in the interstellar space. The energy sources for the syntheses explored so far were largely thermal, and the catalysts used were mostly terrestrial. In the presence of meteorites and with high-energy protons, we observe the production of unprecedented panels of nucleobases, sugars, and, most notably, nucleosides. Carboxylic acids and amino acids complete the recipe. These findings extend prebiotic plausible scenarios well beyond our planet.