Universe  ID: 10810

DNA Building Blocks Can Be Made in Space

Released on August 8, 2011
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.
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This web short gives an overview of the exciting discovery.
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This animation depicts the presence of adenine and guanine, two nucleobases found in DNA, inside a meteorite sample.
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Animation depicting the structural differences between standard and non-standard nucleobases.
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Animation depicting the comparison of molecule types found in various samples.
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Animation depicting how a hydrogen cyanide reaction inside a meteorite may have created the variety of nucleobases found in samples on Earth.
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Animation depicting the locations of several meteorite impacts on Earth.
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Animation depicting a meteorite heading toward an early Earth.
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Animation depicting an asteroid moving through space.
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Interview clips featuring Mike Callahan, Research Physical Scientist in the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center.
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Meteorites contain a large variety of nucleobases, an essential building block of DNA.
 

Related

A Box of Treasure from Asteroid Ryugu
Does DNA Have Extraterrestrial Origins?

For More Information

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

Credits

Chris Smith (HTSI): Lead Animator
Tyler Chase (UMBC): Animator
Chris Smith (HTSI): Video Editor
Michael P. Callahan (NASA/GSFC): Interviewee
Chris Smith (HTSI): Producer
Michael P. Callahan (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Ryan Fitzgibbons (USRA): Videographer
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10810

This item is part of this series:
Narrated Movies

Goddard TV Tape:
G2011-084 -- DNA Building Blocks Can Be Made in Space

Keywords:
SVS >> Asteroid
DLESE >> Geology
SVS >> HDTV
DLESE >> Mineralogy or petrology
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Solid Earth >> Rocks/Minerals >> Meteorites
SVS >> DNA
SVS >> Hyperwall
DLESE >> Narrated
SVS >> Astrobiology
SVS >> Nucleobase
NASA Science >> Universe

GCMD keywords can be found on the Internet with the following citation: Olsen, L.M., G. Major, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, S. Ritz, T. Stevens, M. Morahan, A. Aleman, R. Vogel, S. Leicester, H. Weir, M. Meaux, S. Grebas, C.Solomon, M. Holland, T. Northcutt, R. A. Restrepo, R. Bilodeau, 2013. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 8.0.0.0.0