How did life really begin on Earth?

Today we can easily say that life began with microorganisms. But what must have come before the first microorganisms?

Iron sulfide, abundant in ancient hydrothermal vents , may have played a key role in the creation of life on Earth. New research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests these minerals helped form the basic molecules needed for life.

Iron sulfides in prehistoric hot springs may have catalyzed the formation of organic compounds, according to researchers. These sulfides, such as mackinawite , have long interested scientists because of their ability to mimic today's metabolic enzymes.

Iron sulfide may have helped form the basic molecules necessary for life.

Its role as a catalyst is important in carbonogenesis, that is, the conversion of carbon dioxide into organic molecules.

Unlike previous studies that focused on hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, this new study explores terrestrial hot springs as the cradle of life due to their mineral diversity, access to sunlight and water vapor.

In experiments, the team synthesized nanosized iron sulfide, including pure forms mixed with elements such as manganese, nickel, titanium and cobalt.

They exposed these samples to hydrogen and carbon dioxide under conditions simulating hot springs at temperatures of about 80 to 120 degrees Celsius.

The results were remarkable. Manganese-doped iron sulfide emerged as the most efficient catalyst of the bunch, producing methanol without the use of enzymes. Interestingly, sunlight also appears to have played a major role , especially in the creation of life millions of years ago.

The researchers said visible ultraviolet light enhanced the chemical reactions, suggesting that early sunlit hot springs on Earth may have amplified the process.

Steam further promotes catalytic activity. These factors support the view that a steam-rich environment is an ideal environment for the synthesis of prebiotics - compounds that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body of microorganisms.

The study found that these reactions could have taken place via the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) pathway, in which carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide, which is then converted to methanol. This could have helped support the formation of life on Earth.

Even more exciting, modern computational techniques show that mixing iron sulfide with manganese improves efficiency and increases the ability to mimic enzyme behavior.

Terrestrial hot springs, with their rich chemical composition and favorable environmental conditions, may have been optimal for the origin of life to arise.