L Amino acids and D-glucose bind stereospecifically to a colloidal clay

Science. 1979 Mar 23;203(4386):1243-4. doi: 10.1126/science.424749.

Abstract

L-Leucine, L-aspartate, and D-glucose bind in a stereospecific manner to a colloidal clay, bentonite. This binding has high-affinity, saturable characteristics. The biologically uncommon enantiomers, D-leucine, D-asparatate, and L-glucose, do not exhibit any selective absorption on bentonite. It is suggested that this difference between stereoisomers could account for the evolution of life forms possessing a great preponderance of L amino acids and D-glucose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids*
  • Bentonite
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry, Physical
  • Colloids
  • Glucose*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Colloids
  • Bentonite
  • Glucose