Theoretical origin of life: instability of first molecules (Introduction)

by David Turell , Sunday, August 04, 2024, 18:41 (88 days ago) @ David Turell

If life developed in water how did molecules survive?:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240802132849.htm

"The origins of life remain a major mystery. How were complex molecules able to form and remain intact for prolonged periods without disintegrating?

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"In all likelihood, life on Earth began in water, perhaps in a tide pool that was cut off from seawater at low tide but flooded by waves at high tide. Over billions of years, complex molecules like DNA, RNA and proteins formed in this setting before, ultimately, the first cells emerged. To date, however, nobody has been able to explain exactly how this happened.

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"'RNA is a fascinating molecule," says Boekhoven. "It can store information and also catalyze biochemical reactions." Scientists therefore believe that RNA must have been the first of all complex molecules to form.

"The problem, however, is that active RNA molecules are composed of hundreds or even thousands of bases and are very unstable. When immersed in water, RNA strands quickly break down into their constituent parts -- a process known as hydrolysis. So, how could RNA have survived in the primordial soup? (my bold)

"In laboratory testing, the researchers from TUM and LMU used a model system of RNA bases that join together more easily than naturally occurring bases in our cells today. "We didn't have millions of years available and wanted an answer quickly," explains Boekhoven. The team added these fast-joining RNA bases into a watery solution, provided an energy source and examined the length of the RNA molecules that formed. Their findings were sobering, as the resulting strands of up to five base pairs only survived for a matter of minutes. (my bold)

"The results were different, however, when the researchers started by adding short strands of pre-formed RNA. The free complementary bases quickly joined with this RNA in a process called hybridization. Double strands of three to five base pairs in length formed and remained stable for several hours. "The exciting part is that double strands lead to RNA folding, which can make the RNA catalytically active," explains Boekhoven. Double-stranded RNA therefore has two advantages: it has an extended lifespan in the primordial soup and serves as the basis for catalytically active RNA.

"But how could a double strand have formed in the primordial soup? "We're currently exploring whether it's possible for RNAs to form their own complementary strand," says Boekhoven. It is conceivable for a molecule comprising three bases to join with a molecule comprising three complementary bases -- the product of which would be a stable double-strand. Thanks to its prolonged lifespan, further bases could join with it and the strand would grow. (my bold)

"Another characteristic of double-stranded RNA could have helped bring about the origin of life. It is firstly important to note that RNA molecules can also form protocells. These are tiny droplets with an interior fully separated from the outside world. Yet, these protocells do not have a stable cell membrane and so easily merge with other protocells, which causes their contents to mix. This is not conducive to evolution because it prevents individual protocells from developing a unique identity. However, if the borders of these protocells are composed of double-stranded DNA, the cells become more stable and merging is inhibited."

Comment: Same old, same old. All of this work starts with preformed molecules off the shelf. It thus completely bypasses the ultimate question how did any biochemical molecules form on a hot rocky planet?