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In Vesiculo Synthesis of Peptide Membrane Precursors for Autonomous Vesicle Growth
Published on: June 28, 2019
Peptide synthesis in early Earth hydrothermal systems
Kono H Lemke1, Robert J Rosenbauer, Dennis K Bird
1Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. kono@hku.hk
Astrobiology
|April 18, 2009
Summary
Hydrothermal vents rapidly synthesize oligopeptides from glycine. Higher temperatures and specific reactor surfaces enhance peptide formation, crucial for early life origins.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Biochemistry
- Astrobiology
Background:
- The origin of life requires the synthesis of complex organic molecules like peptides.
- Hydrothermal systems are considered potential environments for prebiotic chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis of oligopeptides from glycine under hydrothermal conditions.
- To determine the influence of temperature and reactor surface on peptide formation and hydrolysis.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted in custom-made hydrothermal reactors.
- Thermodynamic calculations were performed to analyze reaction energetics.
- Organic compounds were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Rapid, temperature-enhanced synthesis of oligopeptides from aqueous glycine was observed.
- A significant exergonic shift (13 kJ/mol) was noted at 260°C compared to 160°C.
- Peptide synthesis was favored in hydrothermal fluids, with hydrolysis rates dependent on amino acid stability and reactor surface composition.
Conclusions:
- Mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems could facilitate peptide chain elongation through fluid recycling.
- Abundant early Earth hydrothermal systems may have provided essential biomolecules for life's origin.
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