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Published online 26 August 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.1062
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Greedy molecules could be behind the emergence of life
Artificial system shows how a molecular soup could be exploited by a single self-replicating complex.
A molecule can ensure that copies of itself — rather than any other possible reaction products — are produced from a soup of smaller molecules. This demonstrates that complex structures could have evolved from a pool of simple molecules billions of years ago, its developers claim.
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One anticipates the godly loudly fearing transmogrification of all Creation by molecular Satan. Perhaps Greenpeace will drop boulders on the lab or a few car burnings will Save Our Children. "Maleimide" adds to 71. 666/71(pi) = 2.99, and that is the Trinity! It could not possibly be clearer.
I realy do appreciate the continuous efforts done by scientists to discover the origin of our life, & that idea of order out of choas is also very impressive... but still we get to a point where science stops working, as for: Where from these different molecules arise? How is the right triggering molecule is added to the complex to give out the DNA of a human being? cause if this molecule was added on purpose, the word choas will not be accurate in describing what happened then.. I guess a religious thought would be helpful at this point.. Anyway, congratulations & keep goning on to discover more about our life..
It seemed better than the famous soup of stone. To make that soup you has to search others ingredients to add in the caldron. However behold what greedy molecules that ones! Put a pinch of this molecules and you has a chunk of certain produce. With diverse pinches of molecules you is able do make a delicious soup. When it will be in the shelves of the supermarkets? Molecules of tomatoes… Molecules of… Oh, good God! Of that this world is made? Is made of molecules more molecules ad infinitum? Lo, how much abundance!
@Shoroaq: These molecules were created by the combination and reactions of lighter molecules before them. This goes back to the origin of earth when many elements were yet to be formed, because the sun and other stars were still producing new ones in fusion reactions and by interactions with previously formed ones. I believe that the question of religion may come in when you begin to ponder about the big bang, but there is certainly great merit to pursuing this question which can definitely be answered. The article about a "chemical PCR" posted a month or so ago was along the same lines - many things could be created with such technology, if not for the satisfaction of pure curiousity of the origin of the earth.
A molecule can ensure that copies of itself ... This demonstrates that complex structures could have evolved from a pool of simple molecules ... I'm very sorry I must disagree..this statement is lack of logic! How could complex molecules, with their endless specificity or composition, arise from simple cloning of small ones? This is absurd!! That DNA is copied by a complex and fine molecular apparatus is just another story..I believe editor should explain hie\her bald statements..If you like please confront different story (cfr."the selfish cell")