Amino Acid Racemization
University
Shawnee State University
Major
Chemistry
Keywords:
Amino Acid, Racemization, Rocks
Abstract
Racemization is the process in which one enantiomer of a compound, such as an amino acid, converts to the opposite enantiomer. The degree of racemization is then measured using polarimetry and chromatography. These measurements are then used to estimate the rate at which one enantiomer is converted to the other. We are using the known rate to determine the life span of amino acids found in rock samples from the Bahamas. This will allow us to approximate the age of the rocks, therefore determine the age of the islands.
Faculty Mentor Name
Derek Jones
Faculty Mentor Title
Associate Professor, Natural Sciences
Faculty Mentor Academic Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Miller, Sara and Gleichaul, Logan, "Amino Acid Racemization" (2019). Celebration of Scholarship. 33.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2019/day1poster/33
Location
Morris UC Lobby
Amino Acid Racemization
Morris UC Lobby
Racemization is the process in which one enantiomer of a compound, such as an amino acid, converts to the opposite enantiomer. The degree of racemization is then measured using polarimetry and chromatography. These measurements are then used to estimate the rate at which one enantiomer is converted to the other. We are using the known rate to determine the life span of amino acids found in rock samples from the Bahamas. This will allow us to approximate the age of the rocks, therefore determine the age of the islands.