Who Decides What Is Prebiotically Plausible? The Risks of Premature Constraints in Origin-of-Life Research

The origin of life is the ultimate scientific puzzle. The leap in complexity from inanimate matter to even the simplest known organisms is overwhelming, and the transition from simple chemistry to life is best viewed as a long, directionless pathway. So, how did life arise de novo from simple chemical molecules? The chemical space of potential reactants, catalysts and inhibiting agents is vast, while our knowledge of prebiotic conditions is limited. This makes it difficult to assess whether reaction pathways are prebiotically plausible. Origin-of-life research is therefore inherently speculative and shaped by competing schools of thought. Prebiotic plausibility should inform discussion and exploration, but not impose undue constraints based on personal preferences. Genuine progress is achieved through openness to diverse approaches and scenarios, ensuring that a broad spectrum of studies and their underlying rationales, assumptions, and methodologies are visible and explored.