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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 24: Synthetic life-like systems and Origins of Life

BP 24.8: Talk

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 17:15–17:30, H 1028

Speeding up chemical reactions - Precursor vs Wet dry cycle — •Pranay Jaiswal, Ivar Haugerud, and Christoph Weber — Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany

The coexistence of liquid and solid phases allows for localisation of key molecules and compounds. Solid surfaces can act as a catalyst and can adsorb and concentrate organic molecules, increasing their local concentrations and enhancing interaction and the likelihood of chemical reactions. This concentration effect is particularly significant in dilute environments, such as early Earth's oceans, where it would have been challenging for complex organic compounds to form without the aid of solid surfaces. Solid phases provide a protective shield for organic molecules against harsh environmental conditions. This protection is vital for the preservation and stability of early organic matter, enabling the development of more intricate and functional molecules. In this work we developed a theoretical model of liquid solid phase coexistence that provide diverse chemical landscapes. Different phases offer distinct chemical conditions and reactivity. Furthermore, we introduced non-equilibrium conditions of precursor cycles in contrast to wet-dry cycles. These cycles speed up chemical processes and leads to a resonance behaviour in the cycle frequency that maximises the chemical turnover, creating selective environments.

Keywords: wet-dry cycle; precursor; chemical reactions; origin of life; Non equilibrium