EL5

Cold Chemistry and Molecules of Life

  • Hydrogen is most abundant element, but very spread out

  • Little chance of atoms fusing to become molecules in interstellar space

  • Dense gas clouds exist instead

  • Contain many elements and compounds - organic species

Origin of Molecules of Life

  • Potentially from stellar gas clouds

  • Comets are rich in hydrocarbons and oxygen rich compounds

  • Limited evidence