Homochirality

Symmetry is a fundamental aspect of nature. For example, certain molecules exist in two forms which are symmetrical mirror images of each other. They are called chiral molecules. Common chemical synthesis generally produces equal amounts of the two forms of chiral molecules. In living systems, however, this symmetry is broken. Naturally occurring proteins are composed of L-amino acids but not D-forms, whereas DNA and RNA contain only D-sugars. How did this homochirality originally form in the context of the origin of life is a giant conundrum and has received much attention".

Source : A testable hypothesis on the possible role of electron spin in the origin of bio-homochirality arXiv, 2020.

The recognition of chiral (i.e. 'handed') molecules goes back to the time of Louis Pasteur. Since then, exhaustive investigations in a wide range of organisms has shown 100% consistence in the homochirality (i.e. 'same handed-ness') of biological chemicals.

There are many theories on how this might have evolved (chemical, mathematical, quantum-based etc. etc.) but none is currently accepted as a definitive answer.

Note: There are also questions about whether a 'mirror image' of life, with all the complex chemicals reversed, could exist.

Further info at Wikipedia

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