THE ORIGIN OF CHIRALITY IN BIOMOLECULES; ARE ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCES IMPORTANT?

摘要

This paper is a supplement to our previous paper (Yamauchi and Wahlund, 1998, hereafter referred as Paper 1) extending the discussion to the space and other planets. Static electromagnetic (Lorentz) force in the geomagnetic field may cause a chirality in chemical reactions with the help of, e.g., catalytic/polarized boundaries or layers; laminar convection or drift; strong gradient of ionized solution; shock propagation; radiation, gravitational forces; centrifugal forces of gyrating ions, and etc. Most elements favour weakly ionized fluid (V_i Ω_i) and hence the volcanic shallow sea in the ancient Earth. However, applications are found also in other solar system bodies and interstellar media. The obvious weak point of the geomagnetic field scenario (Two hemispheres should cause opposite enantiomers with opposite directions of the magnetic field) is easily overcome if the early terrestrial life started in a local heat spot in one hemisphere within less than one reversal of the geomagnetic field.