Isovaline

Isovaline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that has been found in meteorites. It is notable for its extraterrestrial origin and its potential implications for the origin of life and astrobiology.

Structure and properties

Isovaline has a structure similar to the proteinogenic amino acids isoleucine and leucine. It is a chiral molecule, with two possible enantiomers. This property is significant in the context of the origin of life, as it may provide clues about the mechanisms of chirality in biological systems.

Occurrence

Isovaline has been found in several types of meteorites, including carbonaceous chondrites. The presence of isovaline and other amino acids in these meteorites suggests that they may have been formed in extraterrestrial environments, possibly through reactions involving cyanide.

Significance

The discovery of isovaline in meteorites has implications for the study of the origin of life and astrobiology. It supports the idea that the building blocks of life may have been delivered to Earth from space. The chiral nature of isovaline also raises questions about the origin of biological chirality, which is a fundamental characteristic of life as we know it.

See also

• Amino acid
• Chirality (chemistry)
• Meteorite
• Origin of life
• Astrobiology

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