# In-situ measurements of the radiation stability of amino acids at 15-140 K

Source: [In-situ measurements of the radiation stability of amino acids at 15-140 K](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa2e651e209131ce862729>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-24T16:53:56.334Z

Authors: P. A. Gerakines, R. L. Hudson, M. H. Moore, J.-L. Bell

Published: 2015-02-09T23:03:10.000Z

## Abstract

We present new kinetics data on the radiolytic destruction of amino acids measured in situ with infrared spectroscopy. Samples were irradiated at 15, 100, and 140 K with 0.8-MeV protons, and amino-acid decay was followed at each temperature with and without H$\_2$O present. Observed radiation products included CO$\_2$ and amines, consistent with amino-acid decarboxylation. The half-lives of glycine, alanine, and phenylalanine were estimated for various extraterrestrial environments. Infrared spectral changes demonstrated the conversion from the non-zwitterion structure NH$\_2$-CH$\_2$(R)-COOH at 15 K to the zwitterion structure $^+$NH$\_3$-CH$\_2$(R)-COO$^-$ at 140 K for each amino acid studied.

## Recorded benchmark results

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## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/1502.02721>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/1502.02721.pdf>)