Endogenous production, exogenous delivery and impact-shock synthesis of organic molecules: an inventory for the origins of life

@article{Chyba1992EndogenousPE,
  title={Endogenous production, exogenous delivery and impact-shock synthesis of organic molecules: an inventory for the origins of life},
  author={Christopher F. Chyba and Carl E. Sagan},
  journal={Nature},
  year={1992},
  volume={355},
  pages={125-132}
}
Sources of organic molecules on the early Earth divide into three categories: delivery by extraterrestrial objects; organic synthesis driven by impact shocks; and organic synthesis by other energy sources (such as ultraviolet light or electrical discharges). Estimates of these sources for plausible end-member oxidation states of the early terrestrial atmosphere suggest that the heavy bombardment before 3.5 Gyr ago either produced or delivered quantities of organics comparable to those produced… 
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