Prebiotic RNA synthesis by montmorillonite catalysis
Sohan Jheeta1, Prakash C Joshi2
1NoR HGT&LUCA, 1 Scott Hall Crescent, Leeds LS7 3RB, UK. sohan7@ntlworld.com.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 6, 2014
Summary
Mineral salts and montmorillonite clay catalyze prebiotic RNA synthesis, simplifying its origin. This process facilitated homochiral selection, crucial for the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA).
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Origin of Life Studies
- Prebiotic Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding the origin of RNA is key to understanding the origin of life.
- Previous research suggests RNA played a central role in the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mineral salts in prebiotic RNA synthesis.
- To explore the catalytic capabilities of montmorillonite clay minerals in RNA formation.
- To demonstrate a simple mechanism for prebiotic RNA synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized montmorillonite clay minerals as catalysts for RNA synthesis from monomers.
- Investigated the effect of various mineral salts (monovalent cations and anions) on RNA chain length using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Examined the influence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions on the reaction.
Main Results:
- Montmorillonite clay catalyzed RNA synthesis and facilitated homochiral selection.
- The addition of sodium chloride significantly enhanced RNA chain length compared to synthesis in water alone.
- Monovalent cations and anions influenced catalysis in specific orders (Li+ > Na+ > K+ and Cl- > Br- > I-, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Prebiotic RNA synthesis is a simple process achievable with abundant early Earth materials: clay minerals and mineral salts.
- Mineral salts play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and chain length of clay-catalyzed RNA synthesis.
- These findings support a plausible pathway for the emergence of functional RNA necessary for early life.
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