Alpha-hydroxy and alpha-amino acids under possible Hadean, volcanic origin-of-life conditions.

Title	Alpha-hydroxy and alpha-amino acids under possible Hadean, volcanic origin-of-life conditions.
Authors	Günter Wächtershäuser, Claudia Huber
Magazine	Science (New York, N.Y.)
Date	10/27/2006
DOI	10.1126/science.1130895
Introduction	In investigating the theory of a chemoautotrophic origin of life in volcanic, hydrothermal environments, we examined how bio-organic compounds could accumulate through carbon fixation on catalytic transition metal precipitates. This study highlights the formation of carbon-fixation products, including alpha-hydroxy and alpha-amino acids, catalysed by nickel or nickel-iron precipitates at temperatures between 80°C and 120°C. The process utilises carbonyl, cyano, and methylthio ligands as carbon sources, with or without sulfide ligands, and employs calcium or magnesium hydroxide as a pH buffer. These findings bridge the gap between biochemistry and volcanic geochemistry, paving the way for further exploration of a volcanic origin of life.
Quote	Günter Wächtershäuser and Claudia Huber. alpha-Hydroxy and alpha-amino acids under possible Hadean, volcanic origin-of-life conditions. 2006. DOI: 10.1126/science.1130895
Element	Carbon (C) , Nickel (Ni) , Hydrogen (H) , Calcium (Ca) , Magnesium (Mg)
Materials	Chemical Compounds
Industry	Research & Laboratory