Scientists have discovered a unique compound in the bowels of the earth that makes it possible to solve one of the main mysteries of the emergence of life on earth and imagine the conditions in which it appeared.
Scientists have discovered tiny crystals deep in Earth’s ancient rocks that could reveal the secrets of the origin of life. Researchers from the University of Western Australia and the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. ScienceAlert writes that in this region known for its well-preserved early crust, minerals have been discovered that may explain why phosphorus is so important to life and how the first building blocks of RNA came together under deep water.
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Using advanced imaging techniques, the team discovered unexpected minerals in these ancient rocks. They found nanocrystals of greenalite, a mineral rich in iron, silicon and oxygen, among the typical mixture of quartz and hematite that gives Pilbara rocks their characteristic red color. Believed to have originated in hydrothermal vents billions of years ago, this greenlite has a unique structure with cavities that may help align components needed to create RNA, a molecule essential for life.
Hydrothermal vents, known for their extreme conditions and chemical richness, are believed to be fertile ground for early life forms. Warm, mineral-rich waters were ideal for the development of complex chemical reactions, possibly including the formation of the first molecules of life.
Additionally, the presence of fluorapatite, a phosphorus-containing mineral, among ancient rocks sheds light on a long-standing mystery. Although rare in modern oceans, phosphorus is an important element in many biological structures, including DNA. The findings suggest that hydrothermal vents may have been an important source of phosphorus in the early oceans, providing a plausible explanation for its rich role in the chemistry of life.
The discovery not only provides insight into the conditions under which life emerged, but also illuminates the complex interactions between minerals and organic molecules in Earth’s early history. The research offers new insights into the origins of life and the unique role of Earth’s geology in providing the ingredients necessary for life to thrive.
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Source: Focus
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