Topic: Research on Interstellar Pre-Biomolecular Modeling

Reporter: Dr. Quan Donghui

Time: August 21 (Tuesday) 14:00

Report location: 504, Life Science Building

Hosted by: Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics

Introduction:

Graduated from the Junior Class of University of Science and Technology of China in 1998

Graduated from Ohio State University in 2009 with a PhD in Science

Assistant Professor, Eastern Kentucky University

Researcher of Xinjiang Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Mainly engaged in chemical substance and reaction simulation research in celestial environment.

Abstract:

Although the density of the interstellar medium is extremely low and the temperature is relatively low, the chemical reactions in it are surprisingly active. So far, nearly 200 kinds of molecules, including many organic molecules, have been detected in the interstellar medium. Some of these interstellar molecules are considered to be precursors of biomolecules such as amino acids, and are named pre-biomolecules. We have established a series of models, including cold, thermal heating and shock wave models, to study the chemical molecules, atoms and chemical reactions. We compared the calculated abundance with the observed value, studied in detail the mechanism of the generation and consumption of interstellar biomolecules, and pointed out the physical conditions of the corresponding area. The study of the reaction mechanism and physical conditions of these molecules in the interstellar nebula, standing at the forefront of human exploration of the universe, can greatly promote human understanding of the origin of biomolecules.