Thioesters could explain how proteins first formed on early Earth
By 
Victoria Atkinson2025-09-09T14:29:00
Cells use proteins to make other proteins – new research could explain how the first proteins arose without other enzymes directing the process
A sulfurous intermediate could be the missing puzzle piece that explains how simple molecules on early Earth first assembled into proteins. New research shows that aminoacyl-thiols can react with RNA molecules to initiate the first steps of protein synthesis, while avoiding competing side-reactions, all without the need for enzymes.