Origin Of Organic Molecules Research Articles

Carbon-grain Sublimation: A New Top-down Component of Protostellar Chemistry

Abstract Earth’s carbon deficit has been an persistent problem in our understanding of the formation of our solar system. A possible solution would be the sublimation of carbon grains at the so-called soot line (∼300 K) early in the planet-formation process. Here, we argue that the most likely signatures of this process are an excess of hydrocarbons and nitriles inside the soot line, and a higher excitation temperature for these molecules compared to oxygen-bearing complex organics that desorb around the water snowline (∼100 K). Such characteristics have been reported in the literature, for example, in Orion KL, although not uniformly, potentially due to differences in the observational settings and analysis methods of different studies or the episodic nature of protostellar accretion. If this process is active, this would mean that there is a heretofore unknown component to the carbon chemistry during the protostellar phase that is acting from the top down—starting from the destruction of larger species—instead of from the bottom up from atoms. In the presence of such a top-down component, the origin of organic molecules needs to be re-explored.

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.

1. On the Molecular Theory of Organization

Parodying the celebrated expression of Harvey, viz., Omne animal ex ovo, it has been attempted to formularise the law of development by the expression omnis cellula e cellula, and to maintain “that we must not transfer the seat of real action to any point beyond the cell.” In the attempts which have been made to support this exclusive doctrine, and to give all the tissues and all vital properties a cell origin, the great importance of the molecular element, it seemed to the author, had been strangely overlooked. It becomes important, therefore, to show that real action, both physical and vital, may be seated in minute particles, or molecules much smaller than cells, and that we must obtain a knowledge of such action in these molecules if we desire to comprehend the laws of organization. To this end the author directed attention: 1st, To a description of the nature and mode of origin of organic molecules; 2d To a demonstration of the fact that these molecules possess inherent powers or forces, and are present in all those tissues which manifest vital force; and 3d, To a law which governs the combination, arrangement, and behaviour of these molecules during the development of organised tissue.