Some scientist claim that DNA has an extraterrestrial origin. If terms such asadenine and guanine bring you memories of the school course of biology, here you will see a reason to give to these words a second meaning. A group of scientists discovered that these two, as well as the otherbuilding blocks of DNA, can form in space and could have been brought to the surface of Earth by meteorites. Meteorites found in Antarctica and Australia make scientists believe thatthe building blocks of DNA exist in space. In order to reach this amazing conclusion the researchers analyzeda series of 12 meteorites collected in Antarctica and Australia. Inside, the scientists founda ‘treasure’ of moleculesthat may play an important role inthe formation of early life forms. The adenine, which helps build the ‘stairs’ ofthe DNA helix, was present in eleven meteorites. The guanine, another key component of DNA, was present in eight ones. Two of the 12 meteorites containexotic particles that are very rare on Earth, thus demonstrating that the building blocks of DNA must have been formed in space. The discovery confirms the theory thata set of prefabricated sections on a meteorite or a comet could havegiven rise to life on Earth.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:22:11 +0000
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