Scharf, C. and Cronin, L. (2016) Quantifying the origins of life on a planetary scale. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 113(29), pp. 8127-8132. (doi: 10.1073/pnas.1523233113) (PMID:27382156) (PMCID:PMC4961144)
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Abstract
A simple, heuristic formula with parallels to the Drake Equation is introduced to help focus discussion on open questions for the origins of life in a planetary context. This approach indicates a number of areas where quantitative progress can be made on parameter estimation for determining origins of life probabilities, based on constraints from Bayesian approaches. We discuss a variety of “microscale” factors and their role in determining “macroscale” abiogenesis probabilities on suitable planets. We also propose that impact ejecta exchange between planets with parallel chemistries and chemical evolution could in principle amplify the development of molecular complexity and abiogenesis probabilities. This amplification could be very significant, and both bias our conclusions about abiogenesis probabilities based on the Earth and provide a major source of variance in the probability of life arising in planetary systems. We use our heuristic formula to suggest a number of observational routes for improving constraints on origins of life probabilities.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Cronin, Professor Lee |
Authors: | Scharf, C., and Cronin, L. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry |
Journal Name: | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Publisher: | National Academy of Sciences |
ISSN: | 0027-8424 |
ISSN (Online): | 1091-6490 |
Published Online: | 05 July 2016 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2016 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 113(29):8127-8132 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under PNAS open access option |
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