McGowan_2002abstr

Copyright 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers

Published to the Marspapers archive with permission of the author.

 

Jigsaw Model Of The Origin Of Life

 

John F. McGowan III

GFT Group

Mountain View, CA

 

ABSTRACT

 

It is suggested that life originated in a three-step process referred to as the jigsaw model. RNA, proteins, or similar organic molecules polymerizaed in a dehdrated carbon-rich environment, on surfaces in a carbon-rich environment, or in another environment where polymerization occurs. The implications of this hypothesis for seeking life or prebiotic chemistry in the Solar System are explored.

 

Keywords: RNA, protein, polymer, jigsaw, origin