New study sheds light on origins of life on Earth through molecular function

(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences) Debate exists over how life began on Earth, but a new study provides evidence for a 'metabolism-first' model. Scientists at the University of Illinois mined the Gene Ontology database to trace the origins and evolution of molecular functions through time. The study shows metabolism and binding arose first, followed by the functional activities of larger macromolecules and cellular machinery.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news