experiments solve the paradox of complex peptide connections in water: this process seems to occur on the surface of tiny droplets of water splashing.
The origin of life is one of the main mysteries of modern science. First, scientists are trying to figure out how complex biomolecules are produced from simple organic compounds without involving living cells. This question is much more complicated than it seems. The formation of peptide bonds between
, especially amino acids , is a reaction, which produces a new H2O molecule. In an aqueous environment composed of these molecules, this process is disadvantageous on thermodynamics . Therefore, the question of how amino acids formed peptide chain in ancient Earth's water bodies is still unclear. Professor Purdue Graham Cook from American University and his co-authors proposed solutions to the "water paradox".
Education peptide bonds are equipped with dedicated water molecules
Scientists use amino acid solutions to perform experiments, which are sprayed into tiny water droplets, just like in a wave or a waterfall. It turns out that the surface of the droplets—where water contacts the air—provides the condition that amino acids are willing to interact and form peptide bonds to form short chains of intact proteins—"embryos."
Graham Cooks and his colleagues liken the droplet surface to a "dry oasis" where various valuable chemical reactions occur at relatively low water levels. Scientists believe that their findings are also beneficial to the industry, because this property can be used to synthesize useful compounds. In addition, it may have an impact on finding life outside the planet. Professor Cook pointed out that the “search for water” should be supplemented by the spell of “search for surging oceans.”
