New Study Contradicts the 'Metabolism First' Hypothesis
by BilboFrom this Science Daily article:
A new study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences rejects the theory that the origin of life stems from a system of self-catalytic molecules capable of experiencing Darwinian evolution without the need of RNA or DNA and their replication.
…. For the first time a rigorous analysis was carried out to study the supposed evolution of these molecular networks using a combination of numerical and analytical simulations and network analysis approximations. Their research demonstrated that the dynamics of molecular compound populations which divide after having reached a critical size do not evolve, since during this process the compounds lose properties which are essential for Darwinian evolution.
Researchers concluded that this fundamental limitation of "compound genomes" should lead to caution towards theories that set metabolism first as the origin as life, even though former metabolic systems could have offered a stable habitat in which primitive polymers such as RNA could have evolved.
It looks like the "metabolism first" scenario is out, and it's back to finding the original genetic material.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:31 pm
From Bilbo's link:
In other words natural selection favors outcomes which inhibit the acquisition of properties essential for an evolutionary process. A size and complexity boundary is indicated which would fall short of what is needed to kick start evolution.
Comment by Bradford — February 2, 2010 @ 7:31 pm
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:28 am
And Primordial Soup is now toast.
Comment by Techne — February 3, 2010 @ 5:28 am
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:36 am
Does that mean if Darwinian evolution is falsified that life doesn't exist?
Comment by ID guy — February 3, 2010 @ 8:36 am
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:23 am
Hi Techne. Looks like a change in diet is in order.
Comment by Bradford — February 3, 2010 @ 10:23 am