Synthesis and stability of biomolecules under Earth's upper mantle conditions
arxiv(2024)
摘要
How life started on Earth is a long-time unsolved mystery. There are various
hypotheses ranging from outer space to seabed. Here, we applied extensive ab
initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to study chemical reactions of
NH3, H2O, H2, and CO at pressures (P) and temperatures (T) approximating the
conditions of Earth's upper mantle (i.e. 10 - 13 GPa, 1000 -1400 K). Contrary
to the previous assumption that larger organic molecules might readily
dissociate in aqueous solutions at extreme P-T conditions, we found that many
organic compounds formed and persisted in C-H-O-N fluids under these extreme
conditions, including glycine, ribose, and uracil-like molecules. Particularly,
our free energy calculations showed that the C-N bond is thermodynamically
stable at 10 GPa and 1400 K. Moreover, our findings support the "RNA world"
hypothesis, as we observed the exclusive formation of the 5-membered-ring form
of ribose. By exploring the depths of Earth's interior, we have uncovered a
previously unexplored pathway through which life may have originated. These
findings have contributed to our evolving understanding of the fundamental
conditions necessary for life to arise on our planet.
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