On the primitive Earth, ocean pH, temperature and ionic composition, along with the availability of certain minerals and non-aqueous liquids, would have played a critical role in determining what types of prebiotic reactions were feasible as well as the stability of key components considered important in the origin of life.  Optimal conditions for the prebiotic synthesis of amino acids, hydrolytic survival of condensing reagents such as thioesters, and the stability of RNA and its components are estimated for various potential environments. These include a reducing atmosphere containing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide yielding an ocean pH of pH 7-9, a non-reducing atmosphere with elevated levels of CO2 with an ocean pH of 5.4-6.7, and both acidic and basic submarine hydrothermal systems. The potential effects and availability of minerals and specific chemical species such as borate, high ocean Mg ion concentrations and non-aqueous solvents like formamide are also considered.

Plausible geochemical conditions on the early Earth:  Constraints on prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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