Layered double hydroxide minerals as possible prebiotic information storage and transfer compounds.

摘要: One of the fundamental difficulties when considering origin life on Earth is identification an emergent system that not only replicated, but also had capacity to undergo discrete mutation in such a way following generations might inherit and pass mutation. We speculate layered double hydroxide (LDH) minerals are plausible candidates for proto-RNA molecule. describe hypothetical LDH-like which, intercalated with certain anions, forms crystals high degree internal order giving rise novel information storage structures which replication fidelity maintained, concept we use propose explanation interstratification terephthalate LDHs. The external surfaces these provide active sites whose structure chemistry dictated by content LDH. Depending LDH polytype, opposing crystal may give reactive either complementary or mirror images each other, so be chiral. examine similarities between proposed “proto-RNA” DNA encodes hereditary today, concluding scenario wherein molecules predated putative RNA-world.