Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jun 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004iaus..213..149w&link_type=abstract
Bioastronomy 2002: Life Among the Stars, Proceedings of IAU Symposium #213. Edited by R. Norris, and F. Stootman. San Francisco:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
12
Scientific paper
Terrestrial biochemistry is based upon chiral (handed) molecules, of which only one of the two possible hands is predominantly employed. This biomolecular ``homochirality'', may be a universal ``signature'' of life. Along with all living organisms, plant leaves are constructed from arrays of chiral molecules of a single hand. Through the development of a new spectroscopic approach, Diffuse Reflectance Circular Dichroism in the UV-visible wavelength regions, we have detected this chirality non-invasively from non-specular light scattered by leaves. The characteristic spectra are sensitive to plant species and leaf age/health. The technique may provide a means of remote sensing the state of flora and, at closer range, an indicator of living organisms for interplanetary landers.
Le Pevelen Delphine D.
Tranter George E.
Wolstencroft Ramon D.
No associations
LandOfFree
Diffuse Reflectance Circular Dichroism for the Detection of Molecular Chirality: An Application in Remote Sensing of Flora does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Diffuse Reflectance Circular Dichroism for the Detection of Molecular Chirality: An Application in Remote Sensing of Flora, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Diffuse Reflectance Circular Dichroism for the Detection of Molecular Chirality: An Application in Remote Sensing of Flora will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-852212