A thermodynamic chemical reaction network drove autocatalytic prebiotic peptides formation

The chemical reaction networks (CRNs), which led to the transition on early Earth from geochemistry biochemistry remain unknown. We show that simplest substances—bicarbonate, sulfite/sulfate, and ammonium—were converted peptides in one geological setting Sammox (sulfite/sulfate reduction coupled anaerobic ammonium oxidation)-driven CRNs under mild hydrothermal conditions. Peptides comprise 15 proteinogenic amino acids, endowed Sammox-driven with autocatalysis. exhibit both forward reverse catalysis, opposite catalytic impact sulfite- sulfate-fueled CRNs, respectively, at a variable temperature range fixed temperature, resulting seesaw-like properties. variation of substrates concentration can influence redox property system, may disrupt homeostasis therefore, orientation changed due stimulation, maintain system homeostasis. characteristics is critical achieving sustainability evolution by preferentially destroy non-functional preserve high substrate specificities and/or novel functions. Moreover, generated sulfite-fueled could catalyze Sammox, Anammox (nitrite coupling oxidation) reactions. propose were creation life are primordial energy conservation traits.