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Serine Octamer Reactions: Indicators of Prebiotic Relevance†

  1. Zoltan Takats Dr.,
  2. Sergio C. Nanita,
  3. R. Graham Cooks Prof.

Article first published online: 30 JUL 2003

DOI: 10.1002/anie.200351210

Issue

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Volume 42, Issue 30, pages 3521–3523, August 4, 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Takats, Z., Nanita, S. C. and Cooks, R. G. (2003), Serine Octamer Reactions: Indicators of Prebiotic Relevance. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 42: 3521–3523. doi: 10.1002/anie.200351210

Author Information

  1. Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA, Fax: (+1) 765-4949-421

  1. †

    This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (CHE 97-32670) and by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences (DE-FG02-94ER14470). We thank Jeffrey Patrick (Eli Lilly Co.) for helpful discussions.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 30 JUL 2003
  2. Article first published online: 30 JUL 2003
  3. Manuscript Received: 18 FEB 2003

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Keywords:

  • amino acids;
  • chemical evolution;
  • chirality;
  • mass spectrometry;
  • serine

Graphical Abstract

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The earliest molecule of life? Chirally selective reactions relevant to the origin of homochiral life are undergone by serine. Chiral exchange between serine, glyceraldehyde, and glucose occurs, favoring the enantiomers (L-serine, D-sugars) present in modern living systems (see picture).

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