Chinese scientists reveal the role of iron sulphides in the origin of life on early Earth

An innovative study led by Chinese scientists has shed light on the crucial role iron sulphides may have played in the origin of life on early Earth, as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The research explores how these minerals, abundant in Earth's primitive hydrothermal systems, might have driven prebiotic chemical reactions fundamental to life's emergence.

Iron sulphides are believed to have acted as catalysts, akin to cofactors in modern metabolic systems, enabling the transformation of carbon dioxide into organic compounds in ancient terrestrial hot springs.

While previous studies have largely focused on deep-sea alkaline hydrothermal vents as potential cradles of life, terrestrial hot springs have emerged as a strong alternative. These environments are characterised by their rich mineral content, chemical diversity, and access to sunlight.

In laboratory experiments simulating early terrestrial hot spring conditions, the team recreated a high-temperature environment (80–120°C) with ultraviolet light, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and iron sulphides.

Their findings demonstrated that iron sulphides facilitated the conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol, a precursor for essential metabolic pathways. This catalytic process could have been a stepping stone in the formation of more complex organic compounds, laying the groundwork for life, the source claims.

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