|
Photochemistry
and the Origin of Life on Earth
Lassota, Marek1
836 Arlington Heights Road (319), Elk Grove Village, IL 600071
Abstract-
Many theories have been advanced to explain the origin of life on earth.
A new model proposes that light was capable of synthesizing a self-replicating
system within the required geological time scale. The basic assumptions
of the model are consistent with the stated requirements for a viable
theory. The proposed model does not exclude the formation of life on
other planets. An admittedly speculative photochemical mechanism involves
two stages: (1) The radiation source generates the precursor molecules
via direct photochemical reactions, and (2) The information content
of the source is utilized via photosensitized reactions (L. I.
Grossweiner, private communication). The specific photochemical reactions
implied by this model are amenable to laboratory investigation.
Keywords: life
|
