Significant impacts of metal ions from ancient oceans on nucleoside phosphorylation

Area of Science:

• Prebiotic chemistry
• Origin of life studies
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Nucleotides are essential biomolecules for life.
• Prebiotic environments, like ancient oceans, were rich in metal ions.
• Metal ions likely played a crucial role in the formation of early nucleotides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of various metal ions on adenosine phosphorylation under prebiotic conditions.
• To understand the role of metal ions in nucleotide formation, interconversion, and hydrolysis.
• To provide evidence for metal-rich environments as plausible settings for the origin of RNA-based life.

Main Methods:

• Adenosine phosphorylation was examined using wet-dry cycling.
• Experiments included various metal ions (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mg²⁺) and a metal-free control.
• Products were analyzed, and hydrolysis experiments were conducted to study nucleotide interconversion.

Main Results:

• Multiple nucleotides (5 -AMP, 2 /3 -AMP, ADP, ATP, etc.) were formed, with yields varying by metal ion.
• 5 -AMP was the dominant product, showing high 5 -regioselectivity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis.
• Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ enhanced cyclization; iron promoted oligonucleotide formation; metals accelerated hydrolysis.

Conclusions:

• Metal ions significantly regulate nucleotide phosphorylation, hydrolysis, and interconversion in prebiotic settings.
• The findings support the hypothesis that metal-rich environments were crucial for the emergence of early life.
• This research advances the understanding of chemical evolution leading to the RNA world.