Slow ion irradiation of sugar: astrobiological implications

As a result of irradiation by slow hydrogen and argon ions of saccharose, humic films having a fractal nature were produced. The use of hydrogen ions simulated roughly the interaction of low-energy solar wind protons with interplanetary dust grains which, in addition to organic and mineral dust, may...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of astrobiology 2009-10, Vol.8 (4), p.317-319
Main Authors: Tuleta, M., Gabla, L., Wickramasinghe, N.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrobiology
Biofilms
Cosmic rays
Dust
Hydrogen
Hydrogen ions
Ions
Irradiation
Solar energy
Sugar
Ultraviolet radiation
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Summary:As a result of irradiation by slow hydrogen and argon ions of saccharose, humic films having a fractal nature were produced. The use of hydrogen ions simulated roughly the interaction of low-energy solar wind protons with interplanetary dust grains which, in addition to organic and mineral dust, may include clumps of viable bacteria. The type of film generated by this experimental procedure could play a role in shielding the interior of micron-sized clumps from damaging ultraviolet and low-energy cosmic ray irradiation. We argue that such films may have played a role in processes that led to the initial origin of life, and following the emergence of life the same types of films (as, for instance, in biofilms surrounding cells) may have been modified by irradiation to offer protection to viable cells in the interior.
ISSN:1473-5504
1475-3006
DOI:10.1017/S1473550409990243