Abstract
We have extended earlier experiments on the radiolysis of DL-tryptophan using32P β-radiation to longer reaction times, observing complete destruction of the tryptophan by secondary, non-radiolytic processes. We have also undertaken the irradiation of DL-leucine with32P β's at -196°, achieving radiolyses to the extents of ca. 20-30%, but observing no concomittant asymmetric bias. The implications of these observations are discussed with regard to the Vester-Ulbricht mechanism for the origin of optical activity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 21-28 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Molecular Evolution |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1980 |
Keywords
- Asymmetric radiolysis
- Origin of optical activity
- Vester-Ulbricht Hypothesis
- β-radiolysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Molecular Biology