Abiogenic synthesis of nucleotides on the surface of small space bodies with high energy particles

Abiotic formation of such complex biochemical compounds as nucleotides and oligopeptides on the surface of interstellar and interplanetary dust particles (IDP) by cosmic radiation was examined. In order to study the formation of organic compounds on IDPs, solid films prepared from nuclesoside and inorganic phosphate were irradiated with high energy protons. Irradiated products were analyzed with HPLC. The natural nucleotides were detected. The main products were 5'AMP (3.2%) and 2'3'cAMP (2.7%). The results were compared with others experiments on the action of ultraviolet radiation with different wavelengths, gamma-radiation and heat on solid mixtures of biologically significant compounds. The experiment on abiogenic synthesis of nucleotides on board of space satellite "BION-11" was compared also. The present results suggest that a considerable amount of complex biochemical compounds formed in extraterrestrial environments could have been supplied to the primitive earth before the origin of life. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.