“重现”原始地球RNA自然合成之路

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the hypothesis of "RNA first," suggesting that RNA molecules could have been the precursors to life, serving both as genetic information carriers and as catalysts for chemical reactions. This hypothesis addresses the longstanding question of the origin of life by proposing that RNA could self-replicate in the early Earth environment [1][5]. Group 1: Early Earth Conditions - Scientists are simulating a more complete and realistic early Earth environment, approximately 4.3 billion years ago, characterized by volcanic basalt, a rich atmosphere of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapor, and sulfur compounds from volcanic eruptions [3][4]. - The early Earth was undergoing significant geological changes, which may have influenced the formation of complex molecules like RNA [3]. Group 2: RNA Formation Process - The formation of RNA is broken down into six interconnected chemical steps according to a model called the "Discontinuous Synthesis Model" (DSM), starting from simple gases in the atmosphere and leading to the assembly of RNA chains [4]. - A key component in the experiments is borate minerals, which were previously thought to hinder the process by stabilizing intermediate compounds. However, they actually facilitate RNA synthesis by removing byproducts and stabilizing the necessary acidic and basic environments [4]. Group 3: Experimental Results - The experiments demonstrated that under the influence of basalt and borate, simple raw materials could autonomously follow the DSM's six-step pathway, resulting in the formation of RNA chains consisting of 100 to 200 units [4]. - These findings indicate that the natural formation of information molecules, a critical step in the origin of life, is chemically feasible under early Earth conditions, bringing scientists closer to unraveling the mystery of life's origins [5].