A Modular Hierarchy-Based Theory of the Chemical Origins of Life Based on Molecular Complementarity

Robert Root-Bernstein

doi:10.1021/ar200209k

Evaluation of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.52711/2231-5691.2021.00036 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 202-205

Author(s):

Ravi Kumar

Keyword(s):

Eukaryotic Cell ◽

Origins Of Life ◽

Eukaryotic Cells ◽

Mixed Populations ◽

Molecular Complementarity

In the “ecosystems-first” approach to the origins of life, networks of noncovalent assemblies of molecules (composomes), rather than individual protocells, evolved under the constraints of molecular complementarity. Composomes evolved into the hyperstructures of modern bacteria. We extend the ecosystems-first approach to explain the origin of eukaryotic cells through the integration of mixed populations of bacteria. We suggest that mutualism and symbiosis resulted in cellular mergers entailing the loss of redundant hyperstructures, the uncoupling of transcription and translation, and the emergence of introns and multiple chromosomes. Molecular complementarity also facilitated integration of bacterial hyperstructures to perform cytoskeletal and movement functions.

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Chemical evolution of interstellar dust, comets and the origins of life

Annales de Physique ◽

10.1051/anphys:01989001402010300 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 103-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

J. Mayo Greenberg ◽

Nansheng Zhao ◽

Joniek Hage

Keyword(s):

Chemical Evolution ◽

Interstellar Dust ◽

Origins Of Life

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Proceedings of the Third Conference on Origins of Life

10.1007/978-3-642-87741-4 ◽

1973 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Origins Of Life ◽

The Third

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Prebiotic studies on the interaction of zirconia nanoparticles and ribose nucleotides and their role in chemical evolution

International Journal of Astrobiology ◽

10.1017/s1473550421000033 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 142-149

Author(s):

Avnish Kumar Arora ◽

Pankaj Kumar

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Metal Oxide ◽

Metal Oxides ◽

Chemical Evolution ◽

Ribonucleic Acid ◽

Zirconium Oxide ◽

Origins Of Life ◽

Neutral Ph ◽

Interaction Studies

AbstractStudies on the interaction of biomolecules with inorganic compounds, mainly mineral surfaces, are of great concern in identifying their role in chemical evolution and origins of life. Metal oxides are the major constituents of earth and earth-like planets. Hence, studies on the interaction of biomolecules with these minerals are the point of concern for the study of the emergence of life on different planets. Zirconium oxide is one of the metal oxides present in earth's crust as it is a part of several types of rocks found in sandy areas such as beaches and riverbeds, e.g. pebbles of baddeleyite. Different metal oxides have been studied for their role in chemical evolution but no studies have been reported about the role of zirconium oxide in chemical evolution and origins of life. Therefore, studies were carried out on the interaction of ribonucleic acid constituents, 5′-CMP (cytidine monophosphate), 5′-UMP (uridine monophosphate), 5′-GMP (guanosine monophosphate) and 5′-AMP (adenosine monophosphate), with zirconium oxide. Synthesized zirconium oxide particles were characterized by using vibrating sample magnetometer, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy. Zirconia particles were in the nanometre range, from 14 to 27 nm. The interaction of zirconium oxide with ribonucleic acid constituents was performed in the concentration range of 5 × 10−5–300 × 10−5 M. Interaction studies were carried out in three mediums; acidic (pH 4.0), neutral (pH 7.0) and basic (pH 9.0). At neutral pH, maximum interaction was observed. The interaction of zirconium oxide with 5′-UMP was 49.45% and with 5′-CMP 67.98%, while with others it was in between. Interaction studies were Langmurian in nature. Xm and KL values were calculated. Infrared spectral studies of ribonucleotides, metal oxide and ribonucleotide–metal oxide adducts were carried out to find out the interactive sites. It was observed that the nitrogen base and phosphate moiety of ribonucleotides interact with the positive charge surface of metal oxide. SEM was also carried out to study the adsorption. The results of the present study favour the important role of zirconium oxide in concentrating the organic molecules from their dilute aqueous solutions in primeval seas.

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