Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system

Details Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system

Oct 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009ijasb...8..291d&link_type=abstract

International Journal of Astrobiology, Volume 8, Issue 4, p. 291-300

Biology

1

Aromatic Amino Acids, Biosignature, Europa, Fticr-Ms, Galdi, Geomatrix, Mars, Thenardite

Scientific paper

With the discovery of Na-sulphate minerals on Mars and Europa, recent studies using these minerals have focused on their ability to assist in the detection of bio/organic signatures. This study further investigates the ability of thenardite (Na2SO4) to effectively facilitate the ionization and identification of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan) using a technique called geomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in conjunction with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. This technique is based on the ability of a mineral host to facilitate desorption and ionization of bio/organic molecules for detection. Spectra obtained from each aromatic amino acid alone and in combination with thenardite show differences in ionization mechanism and fragmentation patterns. These differences are due to chemical and structural differences between the aromatic side chains of their respective amino acid. Tyrosine and tryptophan when combined with thenardite were observed to undergo cation-attachment ([M+Na]+), due to the high alkali ion affinity of their aromatic side chains. In addition, substitution of the carboxyl group hydrogen by sodium led to formation of [M-H+Na]Na+ peaks. In contrast, phenylalanine mixed with thenardite showed no evidence of Na+ attachment. Understanding how co-deposition of amino acids with thenardite can affect the observed mass spectra is important for future exploration missions that are likely to use laser desorption mass spectrometry to search for bio/organic compounds in extraterrestrial environments.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system 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 Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Effect of thenardite on the direct detection of aromatic amino acids: implications for the search for life in the solar system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1515423