-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, CH3,C2H5,orHOCH2 and A is OH or NH2) 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.
1 Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany.
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
