COMMUNICATION: FROM MOLECULES TO MARS

August 23, 1962 An analysis i s made of the energetic, molecular, mxromolecu la r and organizational steps which appear to be essential for the development of a living cell from a nonliving origin. Accepting the current view of the primitive atmosphere of the earth, experimental demonstration for the formation of the fundamental molecules of living organisms (amino acids, fatty acids, purines and pyrimadines) under the influence of available energy sources (ultraviok light, ionishg radiation and electric discharge) is presented. The combination of these small units and the polymers via the universal dehydration condensation reaction under the influence of py rophosphate o r carbonto-nitrogen multiple bonds i s experimentally provided. These macromolecules a r e shown to assume specific configuratione resulting from intrinsic factors in their structure, and mechanisms for information transfer and energy transfer by virtue of these ordered structures a r e described. The aggregation of bifunctional molecules a t interfaces to give ordered membranous structures is indicated a s the possible source for the cell wall enclo5ures, thus completing the prebiotic phase.