Serpentinization as the source of energy, electrons, organics, catalysts, nutrients and pH gradients for the origin of LUCA and life.

ABSTRACT: Serpentinization in hydrothermal vents is central to some autotrophic theories for the origin of life because it generates compartments, reductants, catalysts and gradients. During the process of serpentinization, water circulates through hydrothermal systems in the crust where it oxidizes Fe (II) in ultramafic minerals to generate Fe (III) minerals and H₂. Molecular hydrogen can, in turn, serve as a freely diffusible source of electrons for the reduction of CO₂ to organic compounds, provided that suitable catalysts are present. Using catalysts that are naturally synthesized in hydrothermal vents during serpentinization H₂ reduces CO₂ to formate, acetate, pyruvate, and methane. These compounds represent the backbone of microbial carbon and energy

SUBMITTER: Schwander L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10581274 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature