by Phosphorus is one of the key elements for life, involved in biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and adenosine triphosphate.
Phosphide minerals — such as the mineral schreibersite — delivered to early Earth in meteorites have been advocated as a main source of prebiotic phosphorus.
Planetary scientists believed minimal amounts of these minerals were also brought to our planet through billions of lightning strikes.
But now a team of researchers from the University of Leeds and Yale University has established that lightning strikes were just as significant as meteorites in performing this essential function.
Source
Phosphide minerals — such as the mineral schreibersite — delivered to early Earth in meteorites have been advocated as a main source of prebiotic phosphorus.
Planetary scientists believed minimal amounts of these minerals were also brought to our planet through billions of lightning strikes.
But now a team of researchers from the University of Leeds and Yale University has established that lightning strikes were just as significant as meteorites in performing this essential function.
Source
