[ExI] Possible origin of life chemistry

BillK pharos at gmail.com
Sat Mar 21 10:14:31 UTC 2015


A new paper from Cambridge suggests a possible chemistry sequence for
he creation of life.
<http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/common-origins-of-rna-proteins-and-lipids-on-earth/>

Discussed here:
<http://www.skepticink.com/smilodonsretreat/2015/03/19/common-origins-of-rna-protein-and-lipid-precursors/>

Quote:
The authors have constructed a very plausible geochemical scenario
that gathers the feedstock, the reactions, and products at the needed
times and the needed environments.

Imagine an impact on Earth. The carbonaceous meteor creates various
compounds, including hydrogen cyanide as described above. The crater
fills with water, allowing various chemical reactions to take place.
Over time, the water evaporates. As it does, compounds that are not as
soluble in water will collect in layers above the water line, on the
crater rim. Compounds that are more soluble in water will become more
and more concentrated in smaller areas as the water evaporates.

The layers of compounds left behind will be further reacted by heat
into some of the precursor compounds. Rainfall on higher ground then,
dissolves the salts, concentrated them and flowing them over other
compound deposits. These are further reacted by ultraviolet light and
copper salts (as catalysts).

Finally, different streams, with different compounds (and
concentrations of compounds) merge together in a single basin where
they mix. Subsequent evaporation, further concentrate these compounds.
-----------------


If correct, this suggests that the chemicals required for life should
be everywhere throughout the universe.


BillK



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