Linking Catalysis in Biochemical and Geochemical CO2 Fixation at the Emergence of Life

Abstract

H2-producing, submarine hydrothermal vents present a plausible environment for the prebiotic synthesis of the first organic compounds at the emergence of life. Geochemical CO2 reduction at these vent systems harbors similarity to the ancient, biochemical acetyl-CoA pathway of CO2 fixation in modern autotrophs. Both pathways involve catalytic transformations with transition metals as active centers. This concept article provides some insight about origins of life, mineral-catalyzed CO2 reduction, and its correlation to the enzymatic pathway by focusing on key studies.