Exploring the geochemical origin of RNA components on the early Earth

Abstract

  The formation of RNA components on prebiotic Earth was a crucial step in the origin of life. Understanding how these components emerged under abiotic conditions has been a fundamental challenge for researchers in prebiotic chemistry. This review introduces key investigations on the chemical synthesis of RNA components and significant recent advances in their geochemical formation. Traditionally, the synthesis of RNA components has predominantly relied on stepwise chemical reactions involving highly reactive molecules. These methods require tightly controlled laboratory conditions and chemicals that are unlikely to have existed on early Earth. In contrast, recent research has adopted geochemical approaches, focusing on chemical reactions that could naturally occur in prebiotic environments. This approach has uncovered plausible pathways for the abiotic formation of organic molecules, including non-canonical RNA components, using conditions and substrates consistent with early Earth scenarios. The transition from stepwise synthetic methods to geochemical models marks a significant shift in prebiotic chemistry. This shift may not only bridge gaps between experimental and natural conditions but also provide a foundation for future studies to explore the complex chemistry that could have led to life on Earth.