Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Hot Springs’ Secret Process: Key to Early Life on Earth?

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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:

  1. Hydrothermal /ˌhaɪdrəʊˈθɜːrmal/ (adjective): Related to the action of heated water especially in a geological context.
  2. Minerals /ˈmɪnərəlz/ (noun): Naturally occurring substances that are solid and stable at room temperature representing inorganic compounds.
  3. Organic /ɔːrˈɡænɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or derived from living matter typically containing carbon.
  4. Sulfur /ˈsʌlfər/ (noun): A chemical element with symbol S often found in minerals and important in biological processes.
  5. Sulfides /ˈsʌlfaɪdz/ (noun): Compounds containing sulfur anion often associated with metal elements.
  6. Methanol /ˈmɛθənɔːl/ (noun): A light volatile colorless alcohol used as a solvent and antifreeze and as a fuel.

How much do you know?


Where do some scientists think life on Earth began?
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents
Mountains
Deserts
Forests


What are the tall structures on the ocean floor mentioned in the text?
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents
Mountains
Volcanoes
Coral reefs


Which minerals are mentioned to be found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents?
Iron sulfides
Gold
Diamonds
Silver


Where can iron sulfides be found today?
Hot springs
Glaciers
Deserts
Rainforests


According to the text, what is suggested as important for the start of life on Earth?
Ancient hot springs
Mountain peaks
River valleys
Caves


What do iron sulfides help produce, as mentioned in the text?
Methanol
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Carbon dioxide


Living things change carbon dioxide into organic molecules.


Iron sulfides are not considered important in the story of life according to the text.


The study mentioned in the text confirms that deep-sea vents played no role in the start of life on Earth.


The text suggests that both deep-sea vents and land hot springs may have played a role in the start of life on Earth.


Plants and bacteria are mentioned as organisms that change carbon dioxide into organic molecules.


Methanol is a complex organic molecule according to the text.


Our findings suggest that both deep-sea vents and land hot springs played a role in producing .


Living things change carbon dioxide from air and water into .


Many organisms, such as plants and bacteria, are mentioned to perform the conversion of carbon dioxide into in different ways.


Iron and sulfur minerals are highlighted as important in the story of according to the text.


Our new research shows that ancient hot springs might have been important for the start of life on Earth. This study helps explain life could have begun.

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