Origin of Life and Abiogenesis

Paul Falconer & ESA
Aug 9
4 min read

Authors: Paul Falconer & ESAsi

Primary Domain: Evolution & Life

Subdomain: Origin & Abiogenesis

Version: v1.0 (August 9, 2025)

Registry: SE Press/OSF v14.6 SID#053-QK82

Abstract

Building on Life and Evolution's LifeScore framework, this paper rigorously examines the pre-LUCA transition—how chemistry became biology. All major models (chance assembly, exogenous delivery, RNA World, Metabolism-First, Protein-First, systems chemistry) are star-rated and cross-referenced, with experimental milestones openly benchmarked. Compartmentalization is recognized as a scored feature, explicitly justified by protocell literature (Bedau 2009). Counterarguments—alternative chemistries, takeover dynamics—are addressed. The AbiogenesisScore formula and new empirical tables set a gold standard for transparent protocol auditing. Every section links directly to series structure, maintaining explicit evolutionary traceability.

1. Series Linkage and Conceptual Foundations

Abiogenesis explores the emergence of the core features of life—replication, metabolism, compartmentalization, and information storage—before the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA).

These functions tie into the LifeScore framework from Paper "Life and Evolution", with Information here blending early pattern storage and adaptation prior to full genetic heredity.
For later evolutionary transitions (fraternal/egalitarian, universal takeovers), see Life and Evolution §5.

2. Major Models and Mechanisms

2.1 Chance Assembly & Exogenous Delivery

Organic molecules likely formed spontaneously (Miller-Urey, hydrothermal simulation) and via meteorite/comet delivery. While basic synthesis is empirically proven, the leap to fully functional living systems by pure chance remains statistically improbable—even accounting for broad astrobiological sources. For expanded discussion, see Paper 052 §2.1–2.2.

Warrant: ★★☆☆☆ (Essential chemistry achieved, complete system formation is rare.)

2.2 Stepwise Synthesis — RNA World, Metabolism-First, Protein-First

RNA World: Lab-engineered ribozymes demonstrate RNA’s catalytic and replicative potential. Nucleotide formation under plausible prebiotic conditions, while improving, remains a challenge.
Metabolism-First: Experiments show self-sustaining energy cycles and mineral-surface catalysis but struggle to link to stable heredity.
Protein-First: Spontaneous peptide synthesis and pseudo-replication are observed, though lacking long-term complexity.
Warrant: RNA World & Metabolism-First: ★★★★☆; Protein-First: ★★★☆☆

2.3 Systems Chemistry

Systems chemistry integrates autocatalytic networks and privileged functions, aiming for parallel emergence and eventual convergence in true cellular life. No experiment yet bridges autocatalytic networks directly into encoded heredity—an open priority.

Warrant: ★★★★☆ (Best integration, ongoing experimental challenge.)

Model/Mechanism	Key Evidence	Warrant
Chance/Exogenous	Miller-Urey, meteorite organics¹¹	★★☆☆☆
RNA World	Lab ribozymes, RNA relics²⁴	★★★★☆
Metabolism-First	Hydrothermal cycles, mineral networks³	★★★★☆
Protein-First	Peptide formation, pseudo-replication⁵	★★★☆☆
Systems Chemistry	Autocatalytic sets, merging privileged functions⁴⁶	★★★★☆

3. Experimental Milestones and Open Gaps

Requirement	Achieved (Example, Threshold ≥3 = minimal life)	Unresolved (Challenge)
Replication	RNA ribozymes (Lincoln & Joyce 2009)	Non-enzymatic RNA polymerization
Homochirality	Partial enantiomer enrichment	Full homochirality in mixed systems
Compartmentalization	Lipid vesicle formation	Selective permeability evolution
Metabolism	Autocatalytic cycles in lab	Coupling metabolism with heredity
Information Storage	Simple template copying	Robust long-chain heredity

Note: Homochirality impacts scoring—racemic systems are penalized within Information for lack of biological viability.

4. AbiogenesisScore Formula and Weights

text

AbiogenesisScore = 0.3 × Replication + 0.3 × Metabolism + 0.25 × Compartmentalization + 0.15 × Information

Replication (0.3): Essential for reproduction and inheritance, justified by experimental minima and theoretical reviews⁷.
Metabolism (0.3): Central to self-maintenance—empirically dominant.
Compartmentalization (0.25): Raised from 0.2 to reflect its critical status; no viable cell emerges without selective containment (Bedau et al., MIT Press).
Information (0.15): Bridges pre-genetic pattern storage/adaptation, linking directly to LifeScore’s adaptation domains.

Use AbiogenesisScore primarily for pre-LUCA origins; compare LifeScore (Paper 052) for post-LUCA complexity.

5. Counterarguments, Takeover Dynamics, and Series Context

Alternative chemistries (e.g., silicon, non-water solvents) remain possible but unproven and unscored until empirical support exists.
Universal takeovers (e.g., RNA → DNA/protein) describe key transitions toward dominant hereditary and metabolic mechanisms.
Fraternal vs. egalitarian transitions: Integration logic references Paper 052 §5 (e.g., ant colony cooperation vs. mitochondrial endosymbiosis).

Lab systems have yet to merge all privileged functions in a single fully life-like protocell—a central challenge across the origin literature.

Provisional Answer (Warrant: ★★★★☆)

Abiogenesis best fits a sequence of reproducible, evidence-linked thresholds: chance assembly and exogenous chemistry lay essential groundwork; stepwise synthesis (RNA, metabolism, proteins) build complexity and function; systems chemistry integrates privileged features. Compartmentalization, replication, and metabolic cycles are central; information and adaptation mature as systems scale. No single laboratory model yet closes all transitions, but the scientific trajectory and empirical milestones portent a near-term convergence. All analysis is versioned, audit-scored, and cross-referenced for cumulative upgrade—linked seamlessly to the LifeScore rubric and series spine.