DNA Building Blocks Can Be Made in Space

  • Released Monday, August 8, 2011
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NASA-funded researchers have evidence that some building blocks of DNA, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, found in meteorites were likely created in space. The research gives support to the theory that a "kit" of ready-made parts created in space and delivered to Earth by meteorite and comet impacts assisted the origin of life.

This web short gives an overview of the exciting discovery.

This animation depicts the presence of adenine and guanine, two nucleobases found in DNA, inside a meteorite sample.

Animation depicting the structural differences between standard and non-standard nucleobases.

Animation depicting the comparison of molecule types found in various samples.

Animation depicting how a hydrogen cyanide reaction inside a meteorite may have created the variety of nucleobases found in samples on Earth.

Animation depicting the locations of several meteorite impacts on Earth.

Animation depicting a meteorite heading toward an early Earth.

Animation depicting an asteroid moving through space.

Interview clips featuring Mike Callahan, Research Physical Scientist in the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Meteorites contain a large variety of nucleobases, an essential building block of DNA.

Meteorites contain a large variety of nucleobases, an essential building block of DNA.

For More Information

See http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/dna-meteorites.html

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

This page was originally published on Monday, August 8, 2011.
This page was last updated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 12:18 AM EST.

Series

This visualization can be found in the following series:

Tapes

This visualization originally appeared on the following tapes:
  • DNA Building Blocks Can Be Made in Space (ID: 2011084)
    Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 4:00AM
    Produced by - Brendan Antiochos (NASA)