A perspective on the role of minerals in prebiotic synthesis.
The possible role of minerals in prebiotic chemistry is discussed. Reactions involving the transformation of inorganic forms of the biogenic elements into simple organic molecules are emphasized. Three central issues are presented in detail: i) the types of reactions minerals could possibly have promoted; ii) the availability of minerals with catalytic potential on early Earth; and iii) the available research strategy and methods to evaluate the roles minerals may have played in prebiotic chemistry on early Earth.
Schoonen
Martin
M
Department of Geosciences, Stony Brook University, New York 11794-2100, USA. martin.schoonen@stonybrook.edu
Smirnov
Alexander
A
Cohn
Corey
C
D002384:Catalysis; D002625:Chemistry, Organic / Q000379:methods*; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000737:chemistry; D007474:Ion Exchange; D019369:Life; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010777:Photochemistry; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006878:Hydroxides; D008670:Metals; D008903:Minerals; D017640:Silicates; D013440:Sulfides; C000499:ferric oxide