The role of sulfur in prebiotic chemistry

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 286-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Bhadra ◽  
Cyril Ponnamperuma
Keyword(s):  
Prebiotic Chemistry

scholarly journals Gamma Irradiation of Aqueos Solution of L-Aspartic Acid, L-Aspartic Acid in Solid State, and L-Aspartic Acid Adsorbed into Na-Montmorillonite: Its Relevance in Chemistry Prebiotic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-108
Author(s):  
A. Meléndez-López ◽  
M. F. García-Hurtado ◽  
J. Cruz-Castañeda ◽  
A. Negrón-Mendoza ◽  
S. Ramos-Bernal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Solid State ◽  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Prebiotic Chemistry ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Conditions ◽  
Gamma Radiolysis ◽  
The Stability

Aspartic acid is an amino acid present in the modern proteins, however, is considered a primitive amino acid hence its importance in prebiotic chemistry experiments studies. In some works of prebiotic chemistry have been studied the synthesis and the stability of organic matter under high energy sources, and the role of clays has been highlighted due to clays that can affect the reaction mechanisms in the radiolytic processes. The present work is focused on the study of the role of Namontmorillonite in the gamma radiolysis processes of L-aspartic acid. Gamma radiolysis processes were carried out in three different systems a) L-aspartic acid in aqueous solution; b) L-aspartic acid in solid-state; and c) L-aspartic acid adsorbed into Na-montmorillonite. L-aspartic acid was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography−electrospray ionization−mass spectrometry (HPLCESI-MS). The results showed that the decomposition of L-aspartic acid considerably decreased in the presence of clay thus highlighting the protector role of clays and favors the stability of organic matter even under the possible high energy conditions of primitive environments. The principal product ofgamma radiolysis of L-aspartic acid was succinic acid produced by deamination reaction. On the other hand, when aspartic acid was irradiated in solid-state the main product was the L-aspartic acid dimer. Both radiolysis products are important for chemical evolution processes for L-aspartic acid in primitive environments.

Energy Conservation via Thioesters in a Non-Enzymatic Metabolism-like Reaction Network

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie Chevallot-Beroux ◽  
Jan Gorges ◽  
Joseph Moran
Keyword(s):  
Prebiotic Chemistry ◽  
Reaction Network ◽  
Biochemical Networks ◽  
Biochemical Evolution ◽  
Top Down ◽  
The Core ◽  
Energy Flows ◽  
Oxidative Breakdown ◽  
Intermediary Role

<p><b>Life’s catabolic processes capture chemical energy from the oxidative breakdown of metabolites. In the catabolic pathways at the core of biochemistry, the oxidation of </b>α-<b>ketoacids or aldehydes is coupled to the synthesis of thioesters, whose energy-releasing hydrolysis is in turn coupled to the production of adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP). How these processes became linked before life emerged, and thus how the framework for modern bioenergetics was established, is a major problem for understanding the origins of biochemistry. The structure of biochemical networks suggests that the intermediary role of thioesters in biological energy flows, and their central role in biosynthesis, is a consequence of their entry into metabolism at the earliest stage of biochemical evolution. However, how thioesters could have become embedded within a metabolic network before the advent of enzymes remains unclear. Here we demonstrate non-enzymatic oxidant- or light-driven thioester synthesis from biological </b>α-<b>ketoacids and show it can be integrated within an iron-promoted metabolism-like reaction network. The thioesters obtained are those predicted to be pivotal in computational reconstructions of primitive biochemical networks (acetyl, malonyl, malyl and succinyl thioesters), demonstrating a rare convergence between top-down and bottom-up approaches to the origins of metabolism. The diversity and simplicity of conditions that form thioesters from core metabolites suggests the energetic link between thioester synthesis and catabolism was in place at the earliest stage of prebiotic chemistry, constraining the path for the later evolution of life’s phosphorus-based energy currencies.</b></p>

On the Role of Water as a Catalyst in Prebiotic Chemistry

ChemPhysChem ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-320
Author(s):  
José M. Saa ◽  
Antonio Frontera
Keyword(s):  
Prebiotic Chemistry

scholarly journals UV-Induced Nanoparticles-Formation, Properties and Their Potential Role in Origin of Life

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Nejdl ◽  
Kristyna Zemankova ◽  
Martina Havlikova ◽  
Michaela Buresova ◽  
David Hynek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Prebiotic Chemistry ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Inorganic Nanoparticles ◽  
Uv Exposure ◽  
Balloon Flight ◽  
Stratospheric Balloon ◽  
Reaction Surfaces

Inorganic nanoparticles might have played a vital role in the transition from inorganic chemistry to self-sustaining living systems. Such transition may have been triggered or controlled by processes requiring not only versatile catalysts but also suitable reaction surfaces. Here, experimental results showing that multicolor quantum dots might have been able to participate as catalysts in several specific and nonspecific reactions, relevant to the prebiotic chemistry are demonstrated. A very fast and easy UV-induced formation of ZnCd quantum dots (QDs) with a quantum yield of up to 47% was shown to occur 5 min after UV exposure of the solution containing Zn(II) and Cd(II) in the presence of a thiol capping agent. In addition to QDs formation, xanthine activity was observed in the solution. The role of solar radiation to induce ZnCd QDs formation was replicated during a stratospheric balloon flight.

scholarly journals Energy Conservation via Thioesters in a Non-Enzymatic Metabolism-like Reaction Network

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie Chevallot-Beroux ◽  
Jan Gorges ◽  
Joseph Moran
Keyword(s):  
Prebiotic Chemistry ◽  
Reaction Network ◽  
Biochemical Networks ◽  
Biochemical Evolution ◽  
Top Down ◽  
The Core ◽  
Energy Flows ◽  
Oxidative Breakdown ◽  
Intermediary Role

<p><b>Life’s catabolic processes capture chemical energy from the oxidative breakdown of metabolites. In the catabolic pathways at the core of biochemistry, the oxidation of </b>α-<b>ketoacids or aldehydes is coupled to the synthesis of thioesters, whose energy-releasing hydrolysis is in turn coupled to the production of adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP). How these processes became linked before life emerged, and thus how the framework for modern bioenergetics was established, is a major problem for understanding the origins of biochemistry. The structure of biochemical networks suggests that the intermediary role of thioesters in biological energy flows, and their central role in biosynthesis, is a consequence of their entry into metabolism at the earliest stage of biochemical evolution. However, how thioesters could have become embedded within a metabolic network before the advent of enzymes remains unclear. Here we demonstrate non-enzymatic oxidant- or light-driven thioester synthesis from biological </b>α-<b>ketoacids and show it can be integrated within an iron-promoted metabolism-like reaction network. The thioesters obtained are those predicted to be pivotal in computational reconstructions of primitive biochemical networks (acetyl, malonyl, malyl and succinyl thioesters), demonstrating a rare convergence between top-down and bottom-up approaches to the origins of metabolism. The diversity and simplicity of conditions that form thioesters from core metabolites suggests the energetic link between thioester synthesis and catabolism was in place at the earliest stage of prebiotic chemistry, constraining the path for the later evolution of life’s phosphorus-based energy currencies.</b></p>

scholarly journals Prebiotic experiments simulating hydrothermal vents: Influence of olivine in the decomposition of simple carboxylic acids

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. A291220
Author(s):  
Lucía A. González-López ◽  
María Colín-García ◽  
Adriana Meléndez-López ◽  
Jorge Cruz-Castañeda ◽  
Alicia Negrón-Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Hydrothermal Vents ◽  
Prebiotic Chemistry ◽  
Hydrothermal Systems ◽  
Early Earth ◽  
Prebiotic Chemical ◽  
Hydrothermal Environments

Hydrothermal systems have been proposed as keen environments on the early Earth where chemical evolution processes could have occurred. The presence of minerals and a continuous energy flux stand out among the most remarkable conditions in such environments. In this research the decomposition of two organic acids was studied. Ionizing radiation and thermal energy were the sources selected for decomposition tests, as both are naturally present on hydrothermal systems and probably, they were present on early Earth. Radiation could come from unstable elements in minerals, and heat is the most abundant energy source in hydrothermal systems. As minerals play a key role in prebiotic chemistry experiments and are an essential component on hydrothermal environments, the role of olivine in decomposition was tested. Results indicate that both organic acids highly decomposed when irradiated or heated. Radiation is more efficient than heating in decomposing the carboxylic acids and forming other carboxylic acids. Interestingly, the occurrence of olivine affects decomposition on both heated and irradiated samples, as both the rate of decomposition, and the amount and type of products vary compared with experiments without the mineral. The formation of other carboxylic acids was followed in all samples. Succinic, tricarballilic, citric and carboxisuccinic acids were detected in radiolysis experiments of acetic acid. The radiolysis of formic acid produced oxalic and tartronic. The heating of acetic acid solutions formed succinic, tricarballilic, citric and carboxisuccinic acids. However, the heating of formic acids only generated oxalic acid. The presence of olivine affected the amount and type of carboxylic acids formed in radiation and heating experiments. Natural hydrothermal systems are complex environments and many variables are present in them. Our results reinforce the idea that a combination of variables is necessary to better simulate these environments in prebiotic chemistry experiments. All variables could have affected the prebiotic chemical reactions; and hence, the role of hydrothermal systems in prebiotic chemistry could be much more complex that thought.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document