-Hydroxy and -Amino Acids Under Possible Hadean, Volcanic Origin-of-Life Conditions
Claudia Huber1 and
Günter Wächtershäuser2*
To test the theory of a chemoautotrophic origin of life in a
volcanic, hydrothermal setting, we explored mechanisms for the
buildup of bio-organic compounds by carbon fixation on catalytic
transition metal precipitates. We report the carbon monoxide–dependent
formation of carbon-fixation products, including an ordered
series of
-hydroxy and
-amino acids of the general formula R-CHA-COOH
(where R is H, CH
3,C
2H
5,orHOCH
2 and A is OH or NH
2) by carbon
fixation at 80° to 120°C, catalyzed by nickel or nickel,iron
precipitates with carbonyl, cyano, and methylthio ligands as
carbon sources, with or without sulfido ligands. Calcium or
magnesium hydroxide was added as a pH buffer. The results narrow
the gap between biochemistry and volcanic geochemistry and open
a new gateway for the exploration of a volcanic, hydrothermal
origin of life.
2 Weinstraße 8, D-80333 München, Germany.
* Present address: 209 Mill Race Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: gwmunich{at}yahoo.com
