Photo-production of lactate from glyoxylate: how minerals can facilitate energy storage in a prebiotic world.
The reaction of glyoxylate with carbon dioxide to produce lactate is promoted when zinc sulfide is irradiated by ultraviolet light. These results, representing a model for the action of colloidal mineral semiconductors on early Earth, complete a consecutive series that culminates in entry-point molecules of the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Guzman
Marcelo I
MI
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences & Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Martin
Scot T
ST
D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006038:Glyoxylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry*; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D056692:Prebiotics; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
D006038:Glyoxylates; D008903:Minerals; D056692:Prebiotics; D013440:Sulfides; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D019344:Lactic Acid; C031238:zinc sulfide