Biology – Quantitative Biology – Biomolecules
Scientific paper
Mar 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004icar..168...18l&link_type=abstract
Icarus, Volume 168, Issue 1, p. 18-22.
Biology
Quantitative Biology
Biomolecules
12
Origin, Life, Dna, Nucleic Acid, Pcr, Moon, Tide, Cycling, Salinity
Scientific paper
Replicating prebiotic polymers are thought to predate the emergence of true life-forms. The initial mode of replication, a prerequisite for Darwinian selection, is unknown, but demands an explanation based on local physicochemistry. Dual consideration of the conditions of the early terrestrial surface, with the unusual physicochemical properties of nucleic acids like DNA, could explain the emergence of nucleic acids as key biomolecules. The early impact that produced the Moon, and fast terrestrial rotation, subjected coastal areas 3.9 Ga ago to rapid tidal flooding (dilution) and drying (concentration), with a likely periodicity in the range of 2-6 h, and could have provided a driving force for cyclic replication of early biomolecules. Such a mechanism applies only to molecules capable of association/polymerization at high salt concentration, and of dissociation at low salinity. Nucleic acids meet these criteria. It is suggested that tidal cycling, resembling the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mechanism, could only replicate and amplify DNA-like polymers. This mechanism suggests constraints on the evolution of extra-terrestrial life.
No associations
LandOfFree
Fast tidal cycling and the origin of life does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Fast tidal cycling and the origin of life, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fast tidal cycling and the origin of life will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1134478