Scientists from Harvard University have determined that lightning strikes from clouds to the Earth may have played a crucial role in the formation of essential life-sustaining chemical compounds on early Earth.
A group of chemists from Harvard conducted an experiment that replicated conditions on our planet billions of years ago. The researchers developed a laboratory biosphere that recreated primordial air, water, and land. In this artificial environment, they simulated lightning strikes and analyzed the products of the chemical reactions.
The results indicated that under the influence of the simulated discharges, carbon was transformed into carbon monoxide and formic acid, while nitrogen converted into nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium. These compounds could have formed the basis for the subsequent development of more complex organic molecules necessary for the emergence of life.
The scientists also carried out additional experiments by introducing minerals similar to those found in the rocks of early Earth into their virtual environment. After re-simulating the lightning strikes, they observed the formation of sulfide minerals resembling those found near volcanic eruptions. Furthermore, the researchers noted an increased formation of ammonia, which is considered critically important for the origin of life.
According to the Harvard chemists, their findings suggest that lightning strikes from clouds to the Earth were a more likely source for creating the "building blocks" of life than comets, asteroids, or intercloud lightning.
Theories of the Origin of Life
Life on Earth originated approximately 3.7 billion years ago; however, the molecular mechanisms behind its emergence remain largely unknown. Scientists have proposed numerous theories to explain the origin of life, with two particularly distinguished: the primordial soup theory and the RNA world hypothesis.
Both theories use a linear approach, attempting to identify a single molecule or class of molecules that contributed to the development of life on Earth. However, the main issue with such linear thinking lies in the uncertainty regarding which specific molecule or class of molecules appeared first.
Complex chemical networks that sustain life are unlikely to have emerged from just a few extremely complex molecules.
The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Source: Interestingengineering
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