Barron, L. D. (2008) Chirality and life. Space Science Reviews, 135(1-4), pp. 187-201. (doi: 10.1007/s11214-007-9254-7)
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Abstract
Chirality, meaning handedness, pervades much of modern science, from the physics of elementary particles to the chemistry of life. The amino acids and sugars from which the central molecules of life-proteins and nucleic acids-are constructed exhibit homochirality, which is expected to be a key biosignature in astrobiology. This article provides a brief review of molecular chirality and its significance for the detection of extant or extinct life on other worlds. Fundamental symmetry aspects are emphasized since these bring intrinsic physical properties of the universe to bear on the problem of the origin and role of homochirality in the living world.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | ABSOLUTE ASYMMETRIC-SYNTHESIS absolute enantioselection ACID ACIDS Amino acids AMINO-ACID AMINO-ACIDS AMPLIFICATION BIOMOLECULAR HOMOCHIRALITY CHEMISTRY Chirality CRYSTALLIZATION D-AMINO ACIDS DIFFERENCE homochirality LIFE MAGNETIC-FIELD mirror symmetry breaking MOLECULE MOLECULES ORIGIN origin of life PARITY VIOLATION PARTICLES PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES PHYSICS SYMMETRY SYMMETRY-BREAKING |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Barron, Professor Laurence |
| Authors: | Barron, L. D. |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry |
| Journal Name: | Space Science Reviews |
| ISSN: | 0038-6308 |
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