The Origin of Life

Long Peptide Chains in Water

The last class of experiments will consider extreme investigator interference. In these experiments, a chemical that is either not found in the Miller type spark chamber or is very rare is added to the solution in high concentrations. The chemical is almost always a condensation agent. These chemicals contain double bonds that can absorb water. The reaction is sometimes carried out in a set of sequential steps specifically designed to elongate the peptide chain. Figure 9.7 shows how this process works. The condensation agents must be used in high concentrations because they are not stable in the presence of water. Condensation agents do not have the ability to differentiate between the water molecule released when two amino acids combine and the water already present in the soup. Thus, finding a condensation agent in the primordial soup is like finding a dry sponge in the ocean.

   Many authors have claimed that experiments that use condensation agents are relevant to the origin of life. Nevertheless, the justification for adding a condensation agent (that is absent from Miller type experiments) to the mixture is questionable, and adding it in the excessive quantities required for peptide chain growth is certainly not justified. The sequential washing steps which are controlled by the investigator add to the already excessive interference. The results of these experiments are not relevant to the origin of life.

Figure 9.7: Peptide Bonds With Condensation Agents

               
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