A combined gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) method has been developed that permits the direct stable carbon isotope analysis of N(O)-trifluoroacetyl-isopropyl esters of individual amino acids and their respective enantiomers at nanomole abundances. Calculation of the original delta C-13 values of the amino acids is accomplished via a correction for the carbon introduced during the derivatization process. Previous GC/IRMS analyses of individual amino acids in the non-hydrolyzed water extract of an interior sample of a Murchison meteorite stone revealed an enrichment in C-13 relative to terrestrial organic matter, in agreement with previous findings for bulk extracts. The range of amino acid delta C-13 values (+5 to +30 per mill, PDB) suggests possible kinetic effects during synthesis. In this study, an apparent kinetic isotope effect was also observed for the amino acid products of a spark discharge experiment. These preliminary resutls are supportive of a similar mechanism for the abiotic synthesis of amino acids in the Murchison meteorite.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Stable isotope analysis at the molecular level: A new approach for determining the origins of amino acids in the Murchison meteorite


    Contributors:
    Engel, M. H. (author) / Macko, S. A. (author) / Qian, Y. (author) / Silfer, J. A. (author)


    Publication date :

    1995-03-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Characteristics and formation of amino acids and hydroxy acids of the Murchison meteorite

    Cronin, J. R. / Cooper, G. W. / Pizzarello, S. | NTRS | 1995




    Precision Noble Gas Measurements on Presolar Diamonds from the Murchison Meteorite

    Lewis, R. S. / Lunar and Planetary Institute| National Aeronautics and Space Administration| Universities Space Research Association | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994