Space ionizing radiation triggers the formation of peptides and organophosphates on olivine surfaces

Abstract

Abstract Bioorganic molecules, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and sugars, are widely distributed in space. Here, we utilized the Chinese Space Station to carry out an investigation on the solid-state condensation reactions of these “prebiotic organic molecules” under the combined effects of ionizing radiation and forsterite. Cumulative low-dose ionizing radiation can trigger dipeptide formations and phosphorylation of riboses. Dipeptide yields increased 41-fold due to the synergistic effect of forsterite plus sodium trimetaphosphate (P 3 m). P 3 m is activated upon irradiation to phosphorylate nucleosides into nucleotides. Under ionizing radiation, forsterite can promote hydroxyapatite to serve as an accessible phosphorus source for activating amino acids to form peptides. These findings indicate that complex biomolecules can be formed abiotically in space through ionizing radiation activation with the assistance of forsterite in certain radiation - resistant environments distant from planetary surfaces. It implies that apart from transporting prebiotic organic molecules to Earth, space can also provide opportunities for the in-situ assembly of ordered biomolecules from these disordered materials.