Origin of organic molecules and biomolecular homochirality.
Theories about the origin of biomolecular homochirality, which seems to be a prerequisite for the creation of life, are discussed. First, possible terrestrial and extraterrestrial sources of organic molecules are outlined. Then, mechanisms for the formation of enantiomerically enriched compounds and for the amplification of their chirality are described.
Institut für Organische Chemie der Universität Stuttgart, Germany. joachim.podlech@po.uni-stuttgart.de
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D000596:Amino Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002384:Catalysis; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009904:Optical Rotation; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry*; D000069497:Origin of Life; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D000596:Amino Acids; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011108:Polymers