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Prebiotic membrane structures mimic the morphology of alleged early traces of life on Earth

Jordan, Seán F. orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-8403-1100, van Zuilen, Mark A., Rouillard, Joti, Martins, Zita orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-5420-1081 and Lane, Nick orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-5433-3973 (2024) Prebiotic membrane structures mimic the morphology of alleged early traces of life on Earth. Communications Earth & Environment, 5 (1). ISSN 2662-4435

Abstract
Elucidating compositions of the first cell membranes requires experiments with molecules and chemical conditions representative of early Earth. The molecules used are described as ‘prebiotically plausible’, i.e., they could have formed through abiotic reactions before the emergence of biology. Similarly, the chemical properties of solutions in which these membranes are formed (e.g., pH, temperature, ionic strength) must represent early Earth environments. Here, using confocal and transmission electron microscopy combined with population morphometry, we show that prebiotically plausible molecules, in solutions representative of Hadean submarine alkaline hydrothermal vents, form microstructures with substantial morphological diversity. The microstructures hold the potential for use as analogues of prebiotic processes in the rock record. Additionally, many of the structures are morphologically similar to purported early microfossils, highlighting limitations of morphological interpretation in these studies. Detailed analyses of abiotic microstructures are essential for understanding the earliest life on Earth, and for interpretation of potential biosignatures from extra-terrestrial bodies.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Subjects:Biological Sciences > Biochemistry
Humanities > Biological Sciences > Biochemistry
Physical Sciences > Analytical chemistry
Physical Sciences > Chemistry
Physical Sciences > Organic chemistry
Physical Sciences > Inorganic chemistry
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Chemical Sciences
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
Official URL:https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01372-0
Copyright Information:Authors
Funders:European Research Council, Research Ireland, 'la Caixa' Foundation
ID Code:32571
Deposited On:05 May 2026 14:48 by Sean Jordan . Last Modified 05 May 2026 14:48
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