The sinister cosmos: a meteorite yields clues to life's molecular handedness
Article Abstract:
Living things are composed mostly of left-handed molecules. Compounds from space were hypothesized as the driving force that led to the predominance of left-handed molecules in living organisms. The theory was based on analysis of the Mutchison meteorite which yielded left-handed amino acids.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1997
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The world according to RNA: experiments lend support to the leading theory of life's origin
Article Abstract:
Research by Jack W. Szostak and Charles Wilson shows that RNA-based organisms might have existed before DNA-based ones as RNA creates special enzymes called ribozymes that cause RNA strands to separate and splice themselves together. The results are questioned by other scientists.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1996
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Off to an early start
Article Abstract:
J. William Schopf's research on small impressions of microbes in sedimentary rock in Australia indicates that microorganisms existed in a fairly complex state as early as 3.465 billion years ago. Schopf has identified 11 species, including cyanobacteria.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1993
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