Abstract
In this chapter several of the models that purport to describe how amino acids are produced are discussed. Specifically, the means by which circularly polarized light could create chiral amino acids, both on Earth and in outer space, are detailed. Next, several models that rely on the weak interaction to select chirality are described. And, finally, the possibility that chiral selection might have occurred on solid surfaces is mentioned. In each case, the experimental documentation for the hypothetical model is presented. The chapter then discusses amplification mechanisms, notably, autocatalysis, which could operate either in outer space or on Earth. Finally, experiments that have demonstrated amplification toward homochirality are discussed.
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Boyd, R.N. (2012). How Have Scientists Explained the Amino Acid Chirality?. In: Stardust, Supernovae and the Molecules of Life. Astronomers' Universe. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1332-5_6
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