So now there's a theory that life on Earth originated on Mars.
For reference, here's a summary of the current science on abiogenesis. I'd like to see some firmer evidence on the role of oxidized molybdenum in the formation of the first cells.
Professor Steven Benner, a geochemist, has argued that the "seeds" of life probably arrived on Earth in meteorites blasted off Mars by impacts or volcanic eruptions. As evidence, he points to the oxidised mineral form of the element molybdenum, thought to be a catalyst that helped organic molecules develop into the first living structures.
"It's only when molybdenum becomes highly oxidised that it is able to influence how early life formed," said Benner, of the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology in the US. "This form of molybdenum couldn't have been available on Earth at the time life first began, because three billion years ago, the surface of the Earth had very little oxygen, but Mars did.
"It's yet another piece of evidence which makes it more likely that life came to Earth on a Martian meteorite, rather than starting on this planet."
For reference, here's a summary of the current science on abiogenesis. I'd like to see some firmer evidence on the role of oxidized molybdenum in the formation of the first cells.
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