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Prebiological Evolution and the Metabolic Origins of Life
Prebiological Evolution and the Andrew J. Pratt* Metabolic Origins of Life University of Canterbury Keywords Abiogenesis, origin of life, metabolism, hydrothermal, iron Abstract The chemoton model of cells posits three subsystems: metabolism, compartmentalization, and information. A specific model for the prebiological evolution of a reproducing system with rudimentary versions of these three interdependent subsystems is presented. This is based on the initial emergence and reproduction of autocatalytic networks in hydrothermal microcompartments containing iron sulfide. The driving force for life was catalysis of the dissipation of the intrinsic redox gradient of the planet. The codependence of life on iron and phosphate provides chemical constraints on the ordering of prebiological evolution. The initial protometabolism was based on positive feedback loops associated with in situ carbon fixation in which the initial protometabolites modified the catalytic capacity and mobility of metal-based catalysts, especially iron-sulfur centers. A number of selection mechanisms, including catalytic efficiency and specificity, hydrolytic stability, and selective solubilization, are proposed as key determinants for autocatalytic reproduction exploited in protometabolic evolution. This evolutionary process led from autocatalytic networks within preexisting compartments to discrete, reproducing, mobile vesicular protocells with the capacity to use soluble sugar phosphates and hence the opportunity to develop nucleic acids. Fidelity of information transfer in the reproduction of these increasingly complex autocatalytic networks is a key selection pressure in prebiological evolution that eventually leads to the selection of nucleic acids as a digital information subsystem and hence the emergence of fully functional chemotons capable of Darwinian evolution. 1 Introduction: Chemoton Subsystems and Evolutionary Pathways Living cells are autocatalytic entities that harness redox energy via the selective catalysis of biochemical transformations. -
JUICE Red Book
ESA/SRE(2014)1 September 2014 JUICE JUpiter ICy moons Explorer Exploring the emergence of habitable worlds around gas giants Definition Study Report European Space Agency 1 This page left intentionally blank 2 Mission Description Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer Key science goals The emergence of habitable worlds around gas giants Characterise Ganymede, Europa and Callisto as planetary objects and potential habitats Explore the Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants Payload Ten instruments Laser Altimeter Radio Science Experiment Ice Penetrating Radar Visible-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Spectrometer Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph Imaging System Magnetometer Particle Package Submillimetre Wave Instrument Radio and Plasma Wave Instrument Overall mission profile 06/2022 - Launch by Ariane-5 ECA + EVEE Cruise 01/2030 - Jupiter orbit insertion Jupiter tour Transfer to Callisto (11 months) Europa phase: 2 Europa and 3 Callisto flybys (1 month) Jupiter High Latitude Phase: 9 Callisto flybys (9 months) Transfer to Ganymede (11 months) 09/2032 – Ganymede orbit insertion Ganymede tour Elliptical and high altitude circular phases (5 months) Low altitude (500 km) circular orbit (4 months) 06/2033 – End of nominal mission Spacecraft 3-axis stabilised Power: solar panels: ~900 W HGA: ~3 m, body fixed X and Ka bands Downlink ≥ 1.4 Gbit/day High Δv capability (2700 m/s) Radiation tolerance: 50 krad at equipment level Dry mass: ~1800 kg Ground TM stations ESTRAC network Key mission drivers Radiation tolerance and technology Power budget and solar arrays challenges Mass budget Responsibilities ESA: manufacturing, launch, operations of the spacecraft and data archiving PI Teams: science payload provision, operations, and data analysis 3 Foreword The JUICE (JUpiter ICy moon Explorer) mission, selected by ESA in May 2012 to be the first large mission within the Cosmic Vision Program 2015–2025, will provide the most comprehensive exploration to date of the Jovian system in all its complexity, with particular emphasis on Ganymede as a planetary body and potential habitat. -
Measurement of Cp/Cv for Argon, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide and an Argon + Nitrogen Mixture
Measurement of Cp/Cv for Argon, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide and an Argon + Nitrogen Mixture Stephen Lucas 05/11/10 Measurement of Cp/Cv for Argon, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide and an Argon + Nitrogen Mixture Stephen Lucas With laboratory partner: Christopher Richards University College London 5th November 2010 Abstract: The ratio of specific heats, γ, at constant pressure, Cp and constant volume, Cv, have been determined by measuring the oscillation frequency when a ball bearing undergoes simple harmonic motion due to the gravitational and pressure forces acting upon it. The γ value is an important gas property as it relates the microscopic properties of the molecules on a macroscopic scale. In this experiment values of γ were determined for input gases: CO2, Ar, N2, and an Ar + N2 mixture in the ratio 0.51:0.49. These were found to be: 1.1652 ± 0.0003, 1.4353 ± 0.0003, 1.2377 ± 0.0001and 1.3587 ± 0.0002 respectively. The small uncertainties in γ suggest a precise procedure while the discrepancy between experimental and accepted values indicates inaccuracy. Systematic errors are suggested; however it was noted that an average discrepancy of 0.18 between accepted and experimental values occurred. If this difference is accounted for, it can be seen that we measure lower vibrational contributions to γ at room temperature than those predicted by the equipartition principle. It can be therefore deduced that the classical idea of all modes contributing to γ is incorrect and there is actually a „freezing out‟ of vibrational modes at lower temperatures. I. Introduction II. Method The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the ratio of specific heats, γ, for gaseous Ar, N2, CO2 and an Ar + N2 mixture. -
Inhibition of Premixed Carbon Monoxide-Hydrogen-Oxygen-Nitrogen Flames by Iron Pentacarbonylt
Inhibition of Premixed Carbon Monoxide-Hydrogen-Oxygen-Nitrogen Flames by Iron Pentacarbonylt MARC D. RUMMINGER+ AND GREGORY T. LINTERIS* Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA This paper presents measurements of the burning velocity of premixed CO-HrOrNz flames with and without the inhibitor Fe(CO)s over a range of initial Hz and Oz mole fractions. A numerical model is used to simulate the flame inhibition using a gas-phase chemical mechanism. For the uninhibited flames, predictions of burning velocity are excellent and for the inhibited flames, the qualitative agreement is good. The agreement depends strongly on the rate of the CO + OH <-> COz + H reaction and the rates of several key iron reactions in catalytic H- and O-atom scavenging cycles. Most of the chemical inhibition occurs through a catalytic cycle that converts o atoms into Oz molecules. This O-atom cycle is not important in methane flames. The H-atom cycle that causes most of the radical scavenging in the methane flames is also active in CO-Hz flames, but is of secondary importance. To vary the role of the H- and O-atom radical pools, the experiments and calculations are performed over a range of oxygen and hydrogen mole fraction. The degree of inhibition is shown to be related to the fraction of the net H- and O-atom destruction through the iron species catalytic cycles. The O-atom cycle saturates at a relatively low inhibitor mole fraction (-100 ppm), whereas the H-atom cycle saturates at a much higher inhibitor mole fraction (-400 ppm). -
Nitrogen Oxide Concentrations in Natural Waters on Early Earth
The First Billion Years: Habitability 2019 (LPI Contrib. No. 2134) 1042.pdf NITROGEN OXIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN NATURAL WATERS ON EARLY EARTH. Sukrit Ran- jan1,*, Zoe R. Todd2, Paul B. Rimmer3,4, Dimitar D. Sasselov2 and Andrew R. Babbin1, 1MIT, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, CamBridge, MA 02139; [email protected], 2Harvard University, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, 3MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK, 4University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK, *SCOL Postdoctoral Fellow. Introduction: A key challenge in origin-of-life the fact that UV photolysis would not have occurred studies is determining the environmental conditions below the photic depths of these molecules. on early Earth under which abiogenesis occurred [1]. Results: We find that the sinks due to Fe2+ and While some constraints do exist (e.g. zircon evidence UV are orders of magnitude stronger than the sink due for surface liquid water), relatively few constraints to vents. Inclusion of the effects of these sinks sup- - exist on the abundances of trace chemical species, presses [NOX ]<1 µM in the bulk ocean over the vast which are relevant to assessing the plausibility and majority of the plausible parameter space. Oceanic - guiding the development of postulated prebiotic NOX -dependent prebiotic chemistries must identify - chemical pathways which depend on these molecules. mechanisms to concentrate local [NOX ] above the - - - - Nitrogen oxide anions (NOX ; NO2 , NO3 ) are oceanic mean. However, [NOX ] could have reached - chemical species of special importance. NOX are in- prebiotically-relevant concentrations (³1 µM) in fa- voked in diverse prebiotic chemistries, from the origin vorable surficial aqueous environments, i.e. -
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality : Selected Pollutants
WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of pub- lic health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethyl- ene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazard- ousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmen- SELECTED CHEMICALS SELECTED tal exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. POLLUTANTS They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards. World Health Organization Regional Offi ce for Europe Scherfi gsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.euro.who.int WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the development of these WHO guidelines. Keywords AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR - prevention and control AIR POLLUTANTS - adverse effects ORGANIC CHEMICALS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE - adverse effects GUIDELINES ISBN 978 92 890 0213 4 Address requests for publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for per- mission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). -
Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Argon Chemistry
Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Argon Chemistry Author: Brittland K. DeKorver Institute for Chemical Education and Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center University of Wisconsin-Madison Purpose: To learn about 3 of the gases that are in Earth’s atmosphere. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand that the atmosphere is made up of many gases. 2. Learn about the differences in flammability of nitrogen and hydrogen. 3. Learn what is produced during electrolysis. Next Generation Science Standards (est. 2013): PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter PS1.B: Chemical Reactions PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life (partial) ETS1.A: Defining Engineering Problems ETS1.B: Designing Solutions to Engineering Problems ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution National Science Education Standards (valid 1996-2013): Physical Science Standards: Properties and changes of properties in matter Earth and Space Science Standards: Structure of the earth system Suggested Previous Activities: Oxygen Investigation and Carbon Dioxide Chemistry Grade Level: 2-8 Time: 1 hour Materials: Safety glasses Manganese dioxide Work gloves (for handling Tea-light candles steel wool) Matches Test tubes Spatulas Beakers Wooden splints 100mL graduated cylinders Waste bucket for burnt 15mL graduated cylinders materials 3% hydrogen peroxide Vinegar Baking soda Safety: 1. Students should wear safety glasses during all activities. 2. Students should not be allowed to use matches or candle. 3. Students should be cautioned to only mix the chemicals as directed. Introduction: Air refers to the mixture of gases that make up the Earth’s atmosphere. In this lesson, students will learn about hydrogen (present in very, very small amounts in our atmosphere), nitrogen (the most prevalent gas), and argon (third behind nitrogen and oxygen.) Procedures: 1. -
Benzene Matter Emissions from Stationary Sources (EMTIC M-110)
W4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 444444444444U EMISSION MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER CONDITIONAL TEST METHOD W4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 444444444444U Prepared by Emission Measurement Branch EMTIC CTM-014.WPF Technical Support Division, OAQPS, EPA 12/2/92 Determination of Benzene Matter Emissions from Stationary Sources (EMTIC M-110) INTRODUCTION Performance of this method should not be attempted by persons unfamiliar with the operation of a gas chromatograph, nor by those who are unfamiliar with source sampling, as there are many details that are beyond the scope of this presentation. Care must be exercised to prevent exposure of sampling personnel to benzene, a carcinogen. 1. PRINCIPLE AND APPLICABILITY 1.1 Principle. An integrated bag sample of stack gas containing benzene and other organics is subjected to gas chromatographic (GC) analysis, using a flame ionization detector (FID). 1.2 Applicability. The method is applicable to the measurement of benzene in stack gases only from specified processes. It is not applicable where the benzene is contained in particulate matter. 2. RANGE AND SENSITIVITY The procedure described herein is applicable to the measurement of benzene in the 0.1 to 70 ppm range. The upper limit may be extended by extending the calibration range or by dilution of the sample. 3. INTERFERENCES The chromatograph columns and the corresponding operating parameters herein described have been represented as being useful for producing an adequate resolution of benzene. However, resolution interferences may be encountered on some sources. Also, the chromatograph operator may know of a column that will produce a superior resolution of benzene without reducing the response to benzene as specified in section 4.3.1. -
A Complex Life Habitable Zone Based on Lipid Solubility Theory Ramses M
www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN A Complex Life Habitable Zone Based On Lipid Solubility Theory Ramses M. Ramirez1,2 To fnd potentially habitable exoplanets, space missions employ the habitable zone (HZ), which is the region around a star (or multiple stars) where standing bodies of water could exist on the surface of a rocky planet. Follow-up atmospheric characterization could yield biosignatures signifying life. Although most iterations of the HZ are agnostic regarding the nature of such life, a recent study argues that a complex life HZ would be considerably smaller than that used in classical defnitions. Here, I use an advanced energy balance model to show that such an HZ would be considerably wider than originally predicted given revised CO2 limits and (for the frst time) N2 respiration limits for complex life. The width of this complex life HZ (CLHZ) increases by ~35% from ~0.95–1.2 AU to 0.95–1.31 AU in our solar system. Similar extensions are shown for stars with stellar efective temperatures between 2,600– 9,000 K. I defne this CLHZ using lipid solubility theory, diving data, and results from animal laboratory experiments. I also discuss implications for biosignatures and technosignatures. Finally, I discuss the applicability of the CLHZ and other HZ variants to the search for both simple and complex life. Te habitable zone (HZ) is the region around a star (or multiple stars) where standing bodies of liquid water could exist on the surface of a rocky planet1–3. To date, the HZ remains the principle means by which potentially habitable planets are targeted for follow up spectroscopic observations2. -
Effect of Argon-Nitrogen Mixing Gas During Magnetron Sputtering on Titanium Interlayer
Rev.Adv.Mater.Sci.80 16(2007) 80-87N. Panich, P. Wangyao, S. Hannongbua, P. Sricharoenchai and Y. Sun EFFECT OF ARGON-NITROGEN MIXING GAS DURING MAGNETRON SPUTTERING ON TITANIUM INTERLAYER DEPOSITION WITH TiB2 COATINGS ON HIGH SPEED STEEL N. Panich1, P. Wangyao1, S. Hannongbua1, P. Sricharoenchai2 and Y. Sun3 1 Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Phrayathai Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand 2Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phrayathai Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand 3 School of Engineering & Technology, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK Received: July 14, 2007 Abstract. It has been a common practice that in the deposition of a ceramic coating onto a sub- strate, a thin titanium interlayer is used to improve the adhesion between the coating and the substrate. But the structure and strength of the interlayer play an important role in determining the adhesion strength of the coating. This work involves the deposition of titanium diboride (TiB2) based nanostructured coatings on high speed steel substrates. A titanium interlayer was applied by sputtering a titanium target in pure argon atmosphere and in argon-nitrogen gas mixtures to affect nitrogen doping of the interlayer. Structural and properties analysis revealed that various contents of nitrogen gas in argon-nitrogen gas mixture during deposition by magnetron sputtering has significant effect on the adhesion between the TiB2 coating and the high speed steel substrate. There exists an optimum degree of nitrogen incorporation in the interlayer that results in the maxi- mum enhancement in adhesion. The beneficial effect of nitrogen gas mixing is discussed in terms of the modified structure and increased hardness of the interlayer, which provides stronger sup- port for mechanical loading. -
SDS # : 012824 Supplier's Details : Airgas USA, LLC and Its Affiliates 259 North Radnor-Chester Road Suite 100 Radnor, PA 19087-5283 1-610-687-5253
SAFETY DATA SHEET Nonflammable Gas Mixture: Carbon Monoxide / Nitric Oxide / Nitrogen Section 1. Identification GHS product identifier : Nonflammable Gas Mixture: Carbon Monoxide / Nitric Oxide / Nitrogen Other means of : Not available. identification Product type : Gas. Product use : Synthetic/Analytical chemistry. SDS # : 012824 Supplier's details : Airgas USA, LLC and its affiliates 259 North Radnor-Chester Road Suite 100 Radnor, PA 19087-5283 1-610-687-5253 24-hour telephone : 1-866-734-3438 Section 2. Hazards identification OSHA/HCS status : This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Classification of the : GASES UNDER PRESSURE - Compressed gas substance or mixture GHS label elements Hazard pictograms : Signal word : Warning Hazard statements : Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation. Precautionary statements General : Read and follow all Safety Data Sheets (SDS’S) before use. Read label before use. Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. Close valve after each use and when empty. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure. Do not open valve until connected to equipment prepared for use. Use a back flow preventative device in the piping. Use only equipment of compatible materials of construction. Prevention : Not applicable. Response : Not applicable. Storage : Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. Disposal : Not applicable. Hazards not otherwise : In addition to any other important health or physical hazards, this product may displace classified oxygen and cause rapid suffocation. Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients Substance/mixture : Mixture Other means of : Not available. -
16 Nitrogen Contamination in Private Drinking Water Wells
PRIVATE DRINKING WATER IN CONNECTICUT Publication Date: April 2009 Publication No. 16: Nitrogen Contamination in Private Drinking Water Wells The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently does not regulate Private wells. Private well owners are responsible for the quality of their drinking water. Homeowners with private wells are generally not required to test their drinking water. However, they can use the public drinking standards as guidelines to ensure drinking water quality. Refer to Publication #23 Drinking Water Standards for more information. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate measured as nitrogen in drinking water is 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l)) or parts per million (ppm) as established by the EPA. In addition, EPA has set an MCL for nitrite-nitrogen in drinking water at 1 mg/l. Introduction Nitrogen, a component of protein, is essential to all living things. Nitrogen exists in the environment in many forms. It can change its form as it moves through the nitrogen cycle; organic nitrogen ↔ammonia ↔nitrite↔nitrate. Nitrate and nitrite are two forms of nitrogen of most concern in drinking water. Nitrite-nitrogen is indicative of recent pollution and is usually accompanied by highly elevated fecal coliform bacteria counts. Nitrate-nitrogen is indicative of older pollution and is the result of organic or nitrite nitrogen being “weathered or aged” as it passes through the soil overburden on its way to lower aquifers. • Both the nitrate and nitrite forms of nitrogen in drinking water are a health concern, especially for infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. • A water test is the only way to determine the presence and amount of these contaminants in well water.