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Prebiotic ribose synthesis: a critical analysis.

R Shapiro1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York 10003.

Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere : the Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
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Prebiotic D-ribose availability is crucial for the origin of life theories. However, the formose reaction yields insufficient D-ribose under prebiotic conditions, challenging RNA

Area of Science:

  • Origin of Life studies
  • Prebiotic Chemistry
  • RNA World Hypothesis

Background:

  • RNA's catalytic ability fuels theories of its role in life's origin.
  • The plausibility of prebiotic oligonucleotide synthesis is key.
  • Previous claims suggest RNA components were readily available on early Earth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature supporting prebiotic D-ribose availability.
  • To assess the validity of claims regarding D-ribose synthesis.
  • To determine if D-ribose could have been available for early life.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on prebiotic D-ribose synthesis.
  • Analysis of the formose reaction and its variations.
  • Evaluation of experimental conditions and reported yields.

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Main Results:

  • D-ribose synthesis is primarily linked to the formose reaction of formaldehyde.
  • Yields of D-ribose are low (unlikely >1%) and require concentrated formaldehyde.
  • The formose reaction produces complex mixtures rapidly destroyed under reaction conditions.
  • Nitrogenous compounds interfere with formose reaction and nucleoside synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support widespread prebiotic D-ribose availability.
  • D-ribose may have been present briefly, in low concentrations, and in unsuitable mixtures.
  • Conditions for prebiotic D-ribose and nucleoside synthesis appear unfavorable.