Abstract
Contemporary theories of the origin of life divide along the same conceptual lines as contemporary accounts of the nature of life, with small molecule theories (e.g., Wächtershäuser’s iron pyrite world) corresponding to metabolic theories/definitions of life and genes-first theories (currently dominated by the RNA world) corresponding to evolutionary (e.g., chemical Darwinian) theories/ definitions of life. I discuss some difficulties faced by this general approach: First, it isn’t at all obvious that a successful theory of the origin of life will divide along the same lines as a theory of the nature of life. Second, in both cases there is the worry that signs of life are being mistakenly treated as essential to life. Third, most theories of the origin of life tend to minimize or even side step the transition from nonliving ensembles of molecules to the first proto-organisms. I close with a suggestion for dealing with some of these difficult problems.
Keywords: Origin of life, Prebiotic chemistry, RNA world, Small molecule theories, Containment theories, Biological natural selection, Molecular natural selection.
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Catalytic C-H bond activation as a tool for functionalization of heterocycles
The major topic is the functionalization of heterocycles through catalyzed C-H bond activation. The strategies based on C-H activation not only provide straightforward formation of C-C or C-X bonds but, more importantly, allow for the avoidance of pre-functionalization of one or two of the cross-coupling partners. The beneficial impact of ...read more
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