Which of the following results, if found on ancient meteorites, would suggest that meteorites were NOT the source of amino acids that contributed to the origin of life on Earth?
A) the absence of amino acids
B) the presence of only D-isomers of amino acids
C) the presence of up to 80 different amino acids
D) the presence of other organic molecules (e.g., lipids, sugars, and nitrogenous bases) in addition to amino acids

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of only D-isomers of amino acids would suggest meteorites were not the source of amino acids for the origin of life on Earth because life on Earth predominantly uses L-isomers of amino acids. This significant difference in chirality (handedness) between the amino acids found in meteorites and those used by terrestrial life forms would indicate a different origin for Earth's amino acids.

Which of the Following Results, If Found on Ancient Meteorites