Conspectus
The origin of life remains one
of the most profound mysteries in
science. Over millennia, theories have evolved, yet the question persists: How did life emerge from inanimate matter? At its core,
the study of life’s origin offers insights into our place in
the universe and the nature of life itself. By delving into the chemical
and geological processes that led to life’s emergence, scientists
gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern
living systems. This knowledge not only expands our scientific understanding
but also has profound implications for fields ranging from astrobiology
to synthetic biology.
This research employs a multidisciplinary
approach, combining a
diverse array of techniques, from space missions to wet laboratory
experiments to theoretical modeling. Investigations into the formation
of the first proto-biomolecules are tailored to explore both the complex
molecular processes that underpin life and the geological contexts
in which these processes may have occurred. While laboratory experiments
are aimed at mimicking the processes of early planets, not every process
and sample is attainable. To this end, we demonstrate the use of molecular
modeling techniques to complement experimental efforts and extraterrestrial
missions. The simulations enable researchers to test hypotheses and
explore scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in
the laboratory, bridging gaps in our understanding of prebiotic processes
across vast time and space scales.
Minerals, particularly layered
structures like clays and hydrotalcites,
play diverse and pivotal roles in the origin of life. They concentrate
organic species, catalyze polymerization reactions (such as peptide
formation), and provide protective environments for the molecules.
Minerals have also been suggested to have acted as primitive genetic
materials. Nevertheless, they may lack the ability for long-term information
replication. Instead, we suggest that minerals may act as transcribers
of information encoded in environmental cyclic phenomena, such as
tidal or seasonal changes. We argue that extensive protection of the
produced polymer will immobilize it, making it inactive for any further
function. Therefore, in order to generate a functional polymer, it
is essential that it remains mobile and chemically active. Furthermore,
we suggest a route to the identification of pseudobiosignatures, a
polymer that was polymerized on the same mineral surface and consequently
retained through overprotection.
This Account presents a comprehensive
evaluation of the current
understanding of the role of layered mineral surfaces on life’s
origin and biosignature preservation. It highlights the complexity
of mineral-organic interactions and proposes pathways for proto-biomolecule
emergence and methods for identifying and interpreting potential biosignatures.
Ultimately, the quest to uncover the origin of life continues to drive
scientific exploration and innovation, offering profound insights
into the fundamental nature of exi...
