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Mapping ignorance

Protocells may have formed in the proximity of prebiotic compounds

Miller–Urey experiments demonstrated that prebiotic organic compounds can be synthesized from a reducing atmosphere, alkaline water, and electrical discharges. In these new experiments, only in the presence of water, silica induces the formation of a solid organic film made of polymers of hydrogen cyanide. In these films, nano- to micron-size biomorphic protocells are found forming through a mechanism of bubbling and water–gas interfacial precipitation. The results suggest that protocells and the key molecules of life already coexisted on the earliest Earth, setting the stage for the emergence of life and additional criteria for life detection. These organic “protoworlds” could be widely distributed across the universe on any Earth-like body, where they might follow different evolutionary paths.

The origins of life on Earth remain one of the most fascinating and profound questions in science.

A new research sheds light on this mystery by exploring how the building blocks of life could have formed under early Earth conditions. In this study, we focused on understanding how simple chemicals might have come together to create more complex structures, including those resembling the precursors to living cells.

García-Ruiz’ Lab at DIPC
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