Scientists at Rutgers University have found a piece of protein that could trigger the birth of life on Earth. In the future, thanks to the discovery, researchers will be able to detect planets on the verge of life. there was work published on the official website of the university.
The researchers started by studying modern proteins and simplified their structure by simplifying them. According to the authors, initially all proteins were simple, but they could also undergo reactions to initiate a biochemical process.
After a series of experiments, the researchers concluded that the best candidate is a peptide called Nickelback. The peptide consists of 13 amino acids and binds two nickel ions.
“About 3.5-3.8 billion years ago, life began to form on the planet. We believe this tipping point is triggered by several small precursor proteins that perform important steps in an ancient metabolic response. Scientists have apparently found one of these “pioneer peptides.”
According to the researchers, nickel was widely distributed in the early oceans. When attached to the peptide, the nickel atoms become powerful catalysts, attracting additional protons and electrons and producing hydrogen gas. This initiated the formation of life on the planet.