Have you ever considered how life on Earth first emerged? While we frequently focus on the roles of biology and chemistry, it’s crucial to also factor in physics, energy, and the role of electrons. Josh Mancini from Rutgers University highlights that humans obtain energy from the sugars found in our food, where proteins in our cells extract electrons from these sugars and transfer them to the oxygen we inhale.
But what about the early days of life, billions of years ago, when sugars and oxygen weren’t part of the picture? To tackle this enigma, Mancini and his research team are recreating the conditions of primordial Earth within a controlled chamber. They are investigating alternative methods by which electrons could have been mobilized without oxygen, drawing on sources like hydrogen from hydrothermal vents or sunlight.
By utilizing nickel as a medium, the researchers are delving into the interactions between proteins and nickel to gain insights into how early life forms might have converted chemical energy into biological energy. Their aim is to reveal how primitive enzymes could have developed into more complex structures, thereby illuminating the evolution of life on our planet and possibly similar processes on other worlds.
Although they haven’t yet identified the ideal protein/nickel combination, their research is making steady progress towards answering one of the most intriguing questions regarding the origins of life. To keep up with their innovative findings, consider subscribing to the Smarter Faster newsletter. Stay updated with the most significant ideas from some of the brightest thinkers!
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