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Journal Of Cosmology
Did Life Begin Following the Big Bang? The First Gene
Introduction
When life first appeared on Earth is unknown. Likewise, the birth date for the creation of the first gene is as yet undetermined. Although definitive fossil evidence is lacking, there are tantalizing clues which suggest life may have been present on Earth, fractionating and synthesizing carbon as early as 3.8 to 4.28 billion years ago (Manning et al. 2006; Mojzsis et al. 1996; Nemchin et al. 2008; O'Neil et al. 2008).
Specifically, microprobe analyses of the carbon isotope composition of metasediments in Western Australia formed 4.2 billion years ago (bya) has revealed very high concentrations of carbon 12, or "light carbon" which is typically associated with microbial life (Nemchin et al. 2008). The discovery of banded iron formations in northern Quebec, Canada, consisting of alternating magnetite and quartz dated to 4.28 bya, may also be associated with biological activity (O'Neil et al. 2008).
In addition, carbon-isotope analysis of a phosphate mineral, apatite, in quartz-pyroxene rocks on Akilia, West Greenland and dated to 3.8 bya, was found to contain tiny grains of calcium and high levels of organic carbon; which is suggestive of photosynthesis, oxygen secretion, and thus biological activity (Manning et al. 2006; Mojzsis et al. 1996). The high carbon contents of the protolith shale from S. W. Greenland, and the ratio of carbon isotopes in graphite from metamorphosed sediments dating to 3.8 bya is also suggestive of photosynthesizing activity (Rosing, 1999, Rosing and Frei, 2004).
Continue Reading :
journalofcosmology.com/Life100.html
Did Life Begin Following the Big Bang? The First Gene
Introduction
When life first appeared on Earth is unknown. Likewise, the birth date for the creation of the first gene is as yet undetermined. Although definitive fossil evidence is lacking, there are tantalizing clues which suggest life may have been present on Earth, fractionating and synthesizing carbon as early as 3.8 to 4.28 billion years ago (Manning et al. 2006; Mojzsis et al. 1996; Nemchin et al. 2008; O'Neil et al. 2008).
Specifically, microprobe analyses of the carbon isotope composition of metasediments in Western Australia formed 4.2 billion years ago (bya) has revealed very high concentrations of carbon 12, or "light carbon" which is typically associated with microbial life (Nemchin et al. 2008). The discovery of banded iron formations in northern Quebec, Canada, consisting of alternating magnetite and quartz dated to 4.28 bya, may also be associated with biological activity (O'Neil et al. 2008).
In addition, carbon-isotope analysis of a phosphate mineral, apatite, in quartz-pyroxene rocks on Akilia, West Greenland and dated to 3.8 bya, was found to contain tiny grains of calcium and high levels of organic carbon; which is suggestive of photosynthesis, oxygen secretion, and thus biological activity (Manning et al. 2006; Mojzsis et al. 1996). The high carbon contents of the protolith shale from S. W. Greenland, and the ratio of carbon isotopes in graphite from metamorphosed sediments dating to 3.8 bya is also suggestive of photosynthesizing activity (Rosing, 1999, Rosing and Frei, 2004).
Continue Reading :
journalofcosmology.com/Life100.html