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Related Experiment Video

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Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment

Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment

Published on: February 27, 2021

Links between hydrothermal environments, pyrophosphate, na(+), and early evolution.

Nils G Holm¹, Herrick Baltscheffsky

¹Department of Geological Sciences, Geochemistry Section, Stockholm University, Sweden. nils.holm@geo.su.se

Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere : the Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life

|April 5, 2011

Summary

Pyrophosphate (PPi) may have powered early life, acting as an alternative to ATP. This energy currency, along with sodium (Na+) transport, likely preceded proton (H+) transport and ATP in Earth

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Astrobiology
Geochemistry

Background:

Photosynthetic bacteria utilize membrane-bound inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) for light-induced phosphorylation.
Pyrophosphate (PPi) can drive energy-requiring reactions, suggesting it as an early alternative to adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Membrane-bound PPases function as proton (H+) or sodium (Na+) pumps, similar to ATPases.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of pyrophosphate (PPi) and Na+ transport as potential precursors to ATP and H+ transport in early life.
To explore the link between geochemistry, hydrothermal activity, and the origin of life.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of PPase and ATPase functions in bacterial and archaeal membranes.
Geochemical assessment of hydrothermal environments, specifically subduction zones like the Mariana forearc.
Hypothesizing PPi formation mechanisms in early Earth geological conditions.

Main Results:

PPi and Na+ transport are proposed to have preceded ATP and H+ transport.
Alkaline hydrothermal activity in subduction zones provides a plausible environment for early life.
PPi formation is feasible in these environments through dehydration reactions under low water activity.

Conclusions:

Early life may have utilized PPi and Na+ for energy and transport before the advent of ATP and H+ systems.
Geochemical conditions in early Earth, particularly alkaline hydrothermal settings, could have supported PPi-based bioenergetics.
Plate tectonics and hydrothermal activity are key factors in understanding the origin of life.