Abstract
A model [Wächtershäuser, G. (1988) Microbiol. Rev. 52, 452-484], according to which life started in the form of a monomolecular layer of interacting anionic metabolites electrostatically bound to a positively charged surface, is examined critically. The model raises a number of thermodynamic and kinetic difficulties.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anions
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Biological Evolution
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Iron / chemistry
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Kinetics
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Minerals
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Models, Biological*
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Models, Chemical*
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Nucleic Acid Precursors / chemistry
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Nucleic Acids / chemistry
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Origin of Life*
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Polymers / chemistry
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Sulfides / chemistry
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Surface Properties
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Thermodynamics
Substances
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Anions
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Minerals
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Nucleic Acid Precursors
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Nucleic Acids
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Polymers
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Sulfides
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pyrite
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Iron