Today, the top academic journal Nature online published a study from the UK: scientists found that the synthesis of polypeptides can be achieved without the participation of amino acids! The official press release of the study also pointed out that it is expected to give us a better understanding of the mystery of the origin of life.

Readers who are not majoring in biology may be unfamiliar with the word "polypeptide". Here is a brief introduction. We know that protein has various important functions in life activities, and the basic component of protein is amino acid. The polypeptide is also composed of amino acids, but its size is not very large, and the key three-dimensional structure has not been fully formed. Therefore, in a simple way, polypeptides can be regarded as intermediates in the process of amino acid synthesis of proteins.

"Peptides are long chains of amino acids that are essential for all life on earth," explains Professor Matthew powner of the University College London, who led the study. "They further form proteins and are responsible for biological processes."

Schematic diagram from amino acid to polypeptide to protein (photo source: openstax college [CC by 3.0])

Although scientists have made clear the relationship among amino acids, peptides and proteins, a key problem about the origin of life has never been solved: the synthesis of peptides with amino acids requires the participation of enzymes; the enzyme that dominates this step is a protein; but to synthesize this protein, we need amino acids to synthesize peptides first

"It's a classic 'chicken first or egg first' question." Professor powner added.

Previously, many scientists have been studying how amino acids spontaneously form peptides. However, the conditions needed for the reaction are extremely harsh and difficult to achieve. In this study, the team focused on the precursor of amino acids, amino nitriles. They found that these molecules are naturally reactive and can directly form polypeptides without first turning into amino acids. In other words, researchers have found a way to synthesize peptides without amino acids.

Illustration of this study (image source: reference [1])

"This is the first time that human beings have been able to persuasively discover the ability to synthesize polypeptides in water without using amino acids. The conditions required for the response are not severe and may have been found on the early Earth. " One researcher said.

In addition to providing clues to the origin of life, this study also has contemporary practical value. Researchers point out that many bioactive molecules, or synthetic materials, need similar chemical reactions. Under normal synthesis conditions, we need to prepare many expensive materials in advance, resulting in waste. These new reactions are expected to better serve synthetic biology and bring practical application value.

In the future, scientists plan to explore more similar reactions, try to reduce the peptide chains that can be synthesized naturally, and clarify their functions. Perhaps the mystery of the origin of life four billion years ago already exists in their laboratories!

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