Prebiotic Astrochemistry
It was previously assumed that only gas-phase ion-molecule reactions could lead to complex, biologically-relevant, organic molecules. However, the gas-phase formation of methyl formate, one of the most abundant organic interstellar molecules, is now known to be inefficient [1]. Additionally, organics have been observed in several interstellar environments where significant gas-phase chemical processing cannot occur. These findings have led to a revision of the traditional gas-phase chemical models to include the formation of organic molecules on interstellar grain surfaces [2]. The astrochemical pathway to complex organic molecules, including biologically-relevant molecules, is now thought to occur in the following steps:
I & II. Photolysis produces radicals from simple grain surface
species. The ices on interstellar grains are known to contain
mostly water, methanol, ammonia, and formaldehyde (confirmed by
absorption spectra toward dark clouds).
III. As a new star forms, the dust and gas in the cloud is gradually
warmed. The simple radicals become mobile on the grain surface and
can react to form more complex organic molecules. Small sugars can
form during this phase.
IV. Once the temperature in the cloud reaches ~100 K, most of the
molecules are released into the gas phase via thermal evaporation
from the grain surface.
V. Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions can lead to even more chemical
complexity. It is during this phase that reactions leading to amino
acids are possible.
VI. The interstellar material is eventually incorporated into "parent
bodies," which include meteorites, comets, and planets. Aqueous-phase
chemistry can occur in these objects, and so even more complex
biological molecules can form. Impact of meteorites and comets is
thought to be the primary delivery mechanism of water and organic
material to the early Earth, seeding the formation of life [3,4].
[1] Horn et al. (2004), ApJ 611, 605.
[2] Garrod, Widicus Weaver, and Herbst (2008), ApJ 682, 283.
[3] Oro (1961) Nature 190, 389.
[4] Raymond, Quinn, & Luine (2004) Icarus 168, 1.