By Ron Cowen
How sweet it is!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2001/12/865.jpg?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1)
Planetary scientists have for the first time detected extraterrestrial sugar compounds in meteorites. The discovery bolsters the view that rocks from space delivered ingredients that contributed to the development of life on Earth.
Simple sugars, sugar alcohols, and sugar acids–all of which have now been found in two meteorites–are key components of RNA, DNA, and cell membranes. They also serve as energy sources for terrestrial organisms.