Emergent ribozyme behaviors in oxychlorine brines indicate a unique niche for molecular evolution on Mars
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Mars is a particularly attractive candidate among known astronomical objects to potentially host life. Results from space exploration missions have provided insights into Martian geochemistry that indicate oxychlorine species, particularly perchlorate, are ubiquitous features of the Martian geochemical landscape. Perchlorate presents potential obstacles for known forms of life due to its toxicity. However, it can also provide potential benefits, such as producing brines by deliquescence, like those thought to exist on present-day Mars. Here we show perchlorate brines support folding and catalysis of functional RNAs, while inactivating representative protein enzymes. Additionally, we show perchlorate and other oxychlorine species enable ribozyme functions, including homeostasis-like regulatory behavior and ribozyme-catalyzed chlorination of organic molecules. We suggest nucleic acids are uniquely well-suited to hypersaline Martian environments. Furthermore, Martian near- or subsurface oxychlorine brines, and brines found in potential lifeforms, could provide a unique niche for biomolecular evolution.
Source: Nature Communications
Institution: University of Minnesota
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,790
Awards: G3983929757, THE COOL TEAM WILL CONDUCT AN INTERDISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE ORIGINS EVOLUTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF TRANSLATION WHICH IS A WINDOW TO PRIMEVAL EVENTS AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURES. WE WILL INTEGRATE BIOPHYSICAL STRUCTURAL BIOINFORMATIC BIOCHEMICAL CHEMICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY APPROACHES TO UNDERSTAND BIOLOGY S INTERNAL FOSSIL RECORD . OUR OVERRIDING SCIENTIFIC QUESTION IS: HOW DID THE ORIGINAL AND MOST PROFOUND MUTUALISTIC RELATIONSHIP IN BIOLOGY OF POLYPEPTIDE AND POLYNUCLEOTIDE TAKE ROOT AND ULTIMATELY COME TO DEFINE AND RULE THE BIOLOGICAL EARTH? THE CENTRAL QUESTION WILL BE FRAMED BY FOUR THEMES: (THEME 1) EVOLUTION OF TRANSLATION IN VIVO (THEME 2) EVOLUTION OF TRANSLATION IN VITRO (THEME 3) WALKING BACK FROM EXTANT BIOLOGY AND (THEME 4) ORIGINS OF MOLECULAR MUTUALISM., Synthetic P-bodies: Coupling gene expression and ribonucleoprotein granules in synthetic cell vesicles for sensing and response
OpenAlex ID: W4398139745