Formation of molecules of biological interest from formaldehyde and hydroxylamine in a modified sea medium.

As reported previously, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, and beta-alanine are the predominant amino acids produced from equimolecular formaldehyde and hydroxylamine in a modified sea medium enriched with essential transition metal ions. The time course of formation of the amino acids, and related substances was studied. Among the amino acids, glycine was produced earlier. Urea was produced initially and disappeared rapidly. Formation of cyanide, glycinenitrile, and glycinamide preceded the formation of amino acids. Probable pathways for the formation of amino acids and urea are suggested.