Scientists are still wondering where life on Earth began.
One idea is that it started near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These are tall structures on the ocean floor that release a mix of materials.
In these vents, there are minerals called iron sulfides. Some scientists think these minerals helped create the first life forms.
Today, we can find iron sulfides in hot springs, like the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.
Our new research shows that ancient hot springs might have been important for the start of life on Earth. This study helps explain where life could have begun.
Living things change carbon dioxide from air and water into organic molecules. Many organisms, such as plants and bacteria, do this in different ways.
We found that iron sulfides could help produce methanol, which is a simple organic molecule. Our findings suggest that both deep-sea vents and land hot springs played a role in this process. This shows how iron and sulfur minerals are important in the story of life.
Quoc Phuong Tran, PhD Candidate in Prebiotic Chemistry, UNSW Sydney
Vocabulary List:
- Hydrothermal /ˌhaɪdrəʊˈθɜːrmal/ (adjective): Related to the action of heated water especially in a geological context.
- Minerals /ˈmɪnərəlz/ (noun): Naturally occurring substances that are solid and stable at room temperature representing inorganic compounds.
- Organic /ɔːrˈɡænɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or derived from living matter typically containing carbon.
- Sulfur /ˈsʌlfər/ (noun): A chemical element with symbol S often found in minerals and important in biological processes.
- Sulfides /ˈsʌlfaɪdz/ (noun): Compounds containing sulfur anion often associated with metal elements.
- Methanol /ˈmɛθənɔːl/ (noun): A light volatile colorless alcohol used as a solvent and antifreeze and as a fuel.
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