Yamato 791198 is a carbonaceous chondrite, weighing 180 grams, which was recovered in 1979 by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. Analysis showed that it contained 20 different kinds of amino acids of extraterrestrial origin, in concentrations greater than those recorded in any other meteorites up to that time.¹ The highest concentrations were found for alpha-amino-isobutyric acid, glycine, and alanine. The presence of both enantiomers of the first two proved conclusively that the substances were not Earthly contaminants.

 

Reference

1. Shimoyama, A., and Harada, K. "Amino Acids from the Yamat-791198 Carbonaceouis Chondrite from Antarctica," Chemistry Letters, 1183 (1985).