Abstract
Contrary to the often stated view, an enrichment of organic material in the light isotope is not a conclusive evidence of its life-related origin. The ß 13C - δ13C correlation is a special feature of biological systems. Therefore it can be used as a criterion for identification of organic carbon. A survey of the available isotopic data for organic compounds in meteorites shows that they do not comply with the ß 13C - δ13 Ccorrelation. The prevalence of amino and hydroxy acids in purines and sugars found in carbonaceous meteorites indicates that condensation of HCN and HCHO passed through cyanohydrin reaction, while biological evolution proceeds through formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This, in addition to the isotope criterion, indicates that the organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrites are not life-related substances.
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Galimov, E.M. (2003). Isotopic Criteria for Identification of Organic Carbon on Earth and Meteorites. In: Kallenbach, R., Encrenaz, T., Geiss, J., Mauersberger, K., Owen, T.C., Robert, F. (eds) Solar System History from Isotopic Signatures of Volatile Elements. Space Sciences Series of ISSI, vol 16. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0145-8_16
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