Scientists Think They’ve Found Life’s Original Catalyst | AI News Digest
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origins of life on Earth by exploring the role of organic sulfur compounds known as thioesters. These compounds may have catalyzed essential reactions that led to the formation of RNA and amino acids, crucial components of early life. Chemist Matthew Powner and his team demonstrated how thioesters could facilitate the binding of RNA to amino acids in conditions resembling primordial Earth. This research bridges two theories: the 'thioester world' theory and the 'RNA world' theory, suggesting a potential link between metabolism and genetic coding. The findings could reshape our understanding of how life began and the processes that led to the emergence of complex organisms.
