Linking Catalysis in Biochemical and Geochemical CO<sub>2</sub> Fixation at the Emergence of Life
Kendra S. Belthle, Harun Tüysüz
Abstract
Abstract H 2 ‐producing, submarine hydrothermal vents present a plausible environment for the prebiotic synthesis of the first organic compounds at the emergence of life. Geochemical CO 2 reduction at these vent systems harbors similarity to the ancient, biochemical acetyl‐CoA pathway of CO 2 fixation in modern autotrophs. Both pathways involve catalytic transformations with transition metals as active centers. This concept article provides some insight about origins of life, mineral‐catalyzed CO 2 reduction, and its correlation to the enzymatic pathway by focusing on key studies.
Topics & Concepts
AbiogenesisAutotrophCatalysisCarbon fixationHydrothermal ventChemistryHydrothermal circulationFixation (population genetics)Transition metalEnvironmental chemistryAstrobiologyBiologyBiochemistryPaleontologyBacteriaGenePhotosynthesisOrigins and Evolution of LifePhotosynthetic Processes and MechanismsPhotoreceptor and optogenetics research