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The possible role of solid surface area in condensation reactions during chemical evolution - ReevaluationUsing surface concentration and reaction rate as the main criteria for the feasibility of condensation reactions, four types of prebiotic environments were analyzed: (1) an ocean-sediment system, (2) a dehydrated lagoon bed produced by evaporation, (3) the surface of a frozen sediment, and (4) a fluctuating system where hydration (rainstorms, tidal variations, flooding) and dehydration (evaporation) take place in a cyclic manner. With the possible exception of nucleotides, low adsorption of organomonomers on sediment surfaces of a prebiotic ocean (pH 8) is expected, and significant condensation is considered unlikely. In dehydrated and frozen systems, high surface concentrations are probable and condensation is more likely. In fluctuating environments, condensation rates will be enhanced and the size distribution of the oligomers formed during dehydration may be influenced by a 'redistribution mechanism' in which adsorbed oligomers and monomers are desorbed and redistributed on the solid surface during the next hydration-dehydration cycle.
Document ID
19770036898
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Lahav, N.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Chang, S.
(NASA Ames Research Center Chemical Evolution Branch, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Molecular Evolution
Volume: 8
Issue: 4, 19
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
77A19750
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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