Possible parent molecules of cometary nuclei

Experimental data are presented which pertain to the question of the parent molecules of cometary nuclei. Several hypotheses are discussed in regard to the structure and composition of cometary nuclei, and experiments are described which were conducted to determine the gaseous, dust, and condensate components of these bodies. It is shown that cometary ice may contain specific organic and inorganic condensations, including amino acids and an optically active dust constituent.