Beyond prebiotic chemistry

Cronin, L. and Walker, S. I. (2016) Beyond prebiotic chemistry. Science, 352(6290), pp. 1174-1175. (doi: 10.1126/science.aaf6310) (PMID:27257242)

Abstract

Summary: How can matter transition from the nonliving to the living state? The answer is essential for understanding the origin of life on Earth and for identifying promising targets in the search for life on other planets. Most studies have focused on the likely chemistry of RNA (1), protein (2), lipid, or metabolic “worlds” (3) and autocatalytic sets (4), including attempts to make life in the lab. But these efforts may be too narrowly focused on the biochemistry of life as we know it today. A radical rethink is necessary, one that explores not just plausible chemical scenarios but also new physical processes and driving forces. Such investigations could lead to a physical understanding not only of the origin of life but also of life itself, as well as to new tools for designing artificial biology.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cronin, Professor Lee
• Authors: Cronin, L., and Walker, S. I.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Science
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• ISSN (Online): 1095-9203
• First Published: First published in Science 352(6290):1174-1175
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher