Which molecule is considered a building block of life and has been found in space?

Glycine, an amino acid, has been detected in space, supporting the theory that the building blocks of life can form in extraterrestrial environments. This discovery suggests that prebiotic chemistry can occur in interstellar clouds, icy comets, and meteorites. Glycine formation is likely facilitated by reactions on icy dust grains, where UV radiation triggers complex chemical transformations. The presence of glycine in meteorites that have fallen to Earth supports the hypothesis that organic molecules necessary for life were delivered to early Earth by comets and asteroids, potentially playing a crucial role in the origin of life.