Sukrit Ranjan (MIT SCOL / Sasselov Group Alumni) and Zoe Todd (Sasselov Group ) -“Controversies in the Origin of Life: Metabolism-first vs. Replication-first”

Abstract:

There have long been two major stances on the origin of life: one rooted in the belief that metabolic cycles originated abiotically, producing energy used to power the earliest life (metabolism-first); while the other stipulates that genetic material containing information developed first (replication-first). While both metabolism and informational transfer are important for life today, it remains unclear which theory, if either, is correct. We will present the current evidence in favor and opposing both theories and discuss how these ideas fit into past and emerging theories about the origin of life. We will also discuss the feasibility of experimental progress toward resolving this controversy.