[Abiotic synthesis of peptides containing a dicarboxylic acid and their catalytic properties].

Studies have been made on thermal synthesis of peptides containing amino acids (glycine, alanine, leucine, threonine, and histidine) and succinic acid. The synthetic products were found to be heterogeneous, comprising mostly linear polymers. In the peptides obtained, the ratio between individual amino acids differed from the initial one.

[Abiogenic photochemical synthesis of amino acids in an aqueous medium containing carbohydrates and nitrates].

Ultraviolet light (PRK-2) induces the formation of various amino acids (lysine, asparaginic, as well as traces of some other acids) in mannose, glucose and arabinose solutions containing various nitrates. K+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Fe3+ significantly sensitize the formation of amino acids. In the atmosphere of N2, synthesis of appreciable amounts of glutamic acid takes place, wherease in the atmosphere of O2 or CO2 the latter is produced only in traces.

[Abiogenic synthesis of peptide-like substances induced by UV-irradiation and heat].

Dry mixtures of glycine and succinic acid as well as of glycine, phenylalanine and succinic acid were exposed to UV-irradiation and heating up to 170 degrees in atmospheres of O2 and N2. Under these conditions, synthesis of substances with peptide bonds was observed. Irradiation or heating of the first mixture results in synthesis of a substance which is water soluble and capable of dialysis, exhibiting therefore low degree of polymerization.

[Synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides under the action of high temperature and UV-radiation].

By means of UV-spectroscopy, gel filtration, thin layer and paper chromatography, it has been shown that the action of UV irradiation and heat on a dry mixture of nitrogenous bases and deoxyribose results in the formation of nucleoside pool, particulary deoxyadenosine. These energy sources were chosen in order to imitate at least approximately the conditions assumed to exist on the primitive Earth. Similar synthesis takes place in the atmosphere of the three gases studied, being more intensive in CO2 than in N2 or O2.