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Origin of the Genetic Code and Abiotic Synthesis of Organic Compounds

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Life on Earth and other Planetary Bodies

Part of the book series: Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology ((COLE,volume 24))

Abstract

The genetic code is intrinsic to all living organisms. However, it is still not known what the first replication system was. The origin of the genetic code remains uncertain, and several hypotheses have been proposed. Theories include the synthesis of peptides preceding the appearance of genes (“Metabolic Model”) or molecules of nucleic acids being responsible for the storage of genetic information (“Genetic Model”). In this chapter, the main theories for the first replication systems are outlined. Possible pathways for the prebiotic synthesis of the first monomers are reviewed. The contributions of endogenous and exogenous sources are presented, summarizing how the genetic code may have appeared on Earth.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the Royal Society for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK

    Zita Martins

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  1. Zita Martins
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Correspondence to Zita Martins .

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  1. Institut für Geophysik, Astrophysik und Meteorologie, Universität Graz, Universitätsplatz 5, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Arnold Hanslmeier

  2. , Physical Geology and Global Cycles, Institute of Applied Geosciences (IAG), Schnittspahnstraße 9, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany

    Stephan Kempe

  3. University of Jerusalem, Mevo Hadas 20, Efrat, 90435, Israel

    Joseph Seckbach

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Martins, Z. (2012). Origin of the Genetic Code and Abiotic Synthesis of Organic Compounds. In: Hanslmeier, A., Kempe, S., Seckbach, J. (eds) Life on Earth and other Planetary Bodies. Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology, vol 24. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4966-5_16

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