The Electrical Origins of Life, with Nick Lane, Evolutionary Biochemist

LINK TO ZOOM MEETING:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88384219320?pwd=dlR1WHpBM1JJT2ZXdmE5dSthRWp1UT09

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In this talk, Professor Nick Lane uses life as a guide to its own origins. Modern cells use electrical charges on membranes to drive their metabolism, which in turn makes the building blocks of genes and proteins.

Lane shows that equivalent processes were possible in ancient hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ocean. Electrical charges on mineral barriers can drive the reaction of gases such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide to power a spontaneous proto-metabolism and, ultimately, the emergence of genetic information.

The genetic code conceals enigmatic patterns that suggest there were once direct interactions between amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and the first genes. The talk ends with some thoughts on how these processes might culminate in cells developing agency and a rudimentary stream of consciousness.

MEET THE SPEAKER: Nick Lane is Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London.

(NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering)

FURTHER ZOOM LOGIN INFO:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88384219320?pwd=dlR1WHpBM1JJT2ZXdmE5dSthRWp1UT09
DIAL-IN PHONE NUMBER: 305-224-1968
MEETING ID: 883 8421 9320
PASSCODE: 765292