Building blocks of life form on space dust: Understanding Interstellar Organic Molecules with Dr. Krasnokutski

In this intriguing episode, we chat with Dr. Krasnokutski about the fascinating subject of organic molecules present in the dense interstellar medium. Dr. Krasnokutski sheds light on how these complex molecules come into being under typical space conditions and their potential implications for understanding the origins of life.Scientists have managed to synthesize many of these molecules in laboratory conditions mimicking interstellar environments. Still, up until now, only relatively small molecules of biological interest have been shown to form. Dr. Krasnokutski and his team push the boundaries of this understanding, demonstrating the formation of isomeric polyglycine monomers (aminoketene molecules) from the condensation of carbon atoms on the surface of cold solid particles, much like cosmic dust.In a further groundbreaking revelation, Dr. Krasnokutski explains how these aminoketene molecules, upon encountering each other, polymerize to produce peptides of different lengths. The process, which intriguingly involves three of the most abundant species present in star-forming molecular clouds - CO, C, and NH3, bypasses the typical stage of amino acid formation in protein synthesis.What's more? This unique chemistry can efficiently occur even at low temperatures, without the need for irradiation or the presence of water. Dr. Krasnokutski postulates that the delivery of biopolymers formed by this novel chemistry to rocky planets in the habitable zone might play a crucial role in the origins of life.This episode offers a deep-dive into a truly groundbreaking study at the intersection of chemistry, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Whether you are a student of these fields or simply a space enthusiast curious about the mysteries of the universe, this conversation with Dr. Krasnokutski will certainly pique your curiosity.Keywords: Organic molecules, Interstellar medium, Aminoketene molecules, Polyglycine monomers, Peptides, CO, C, NH3, Protein synthesis, Low temperatures, Biopolymers, Origins of life.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-021-01577-9