SITE-SPECIFIC PREBIOTIC OLIGOMERIZATION REACTIONS OF GLYCINE ON THE SURFACE OF HECTORITE

Condensation reactions of the amino acid glycine on the surface of Cu( II)-exchanged hectorite are investigated using the technique of scanni ng force microscopy. Prebiotic conditions are simulated using alternat e wetting and heating cycles. Concentration, immobilization, and subse quent polymerization resulting in glycine oligomers are seen to occur primarily at step edges or faults in the topmost layer. Condensation r eactions also occur within tiny micropores or defects in the topmost l ayer. These reactions are facilitated by the availability of intergall ery metal cations at the step edges or pores in the surface region.