A group of scientists led by researchers from China has discovered the crucial role of iron sulfide in reinforcing the hypothesis about the origin of life at terrestrial hot springs during the early period of Earth. This research was published on November 28 in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Terrestrial hot springs are also a viable environment for life formation. (Photo: AFP).
According to the hypothesis regarding the origin of life on Earth, hydrothermal systems, which include deep-sea hydrothermal vents and terrestrial hot springs, are considered two potential environments for life to emerge.
Associate Professor Nan Jingbo, who works at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated: “Iron sulfide is a common substance in early hydrothermal systems. It can function similarly to co-factors in modern metabolic systems, supporting the conversion of carbon dioxide into organic compounds, thereby facilitating essential prebiotic chemical reactions.”
Previously, studies on iron sulfide and the origin of life primarily focused on alkaline hydrothermal vents in the deep sea. However, some scientists have proposed that terrestrial hot springs also represent another viable environment for life formation due to their rich mineral content, diverse chemicals, and abundant sunlight.
To examine the role of iron sulfide in prebiotic carbon fixation, the research team conducted experiments simulating early hot spring environments. The experiment recreated conditions such as temperatures ranging from 80 to 120 degrees Celsius, high ultraviolet radiation intensity, along with the presence of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and iron sulfide.
The results indicated that iron sulfide acts as a catalyst, accelerating the conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol. This methanol further catalyzes the formation of methyl groups, a crucial component in the oldest metabolic pathways, thus laying the groundwork for life.
Associate Professor Nan Jingbo emphasized: “This research not only clarifies the potential of iron sulfide in catalyzing the prebiotic carbon fixation process at early terrestrial hot springs on Earth but also opens new research directions regarding the origin of life. Additionally, this discovery significantly supports efforts to search for life on other planets.”
