The Role of Chemistry in the Origin of Life

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Chemists have discovered that RNA, which functions as both an information system and an enzyme, is crucial to the translation machinery. With the ability to manipulate RNA, chemists can create compounds using single-pot chemistries. This involves combining the known recipes for a final product in a test tube, leading to a predictable outcome. Chemistry is a rigid and established input-output system in which luck plays no part.

Betül Kaçar is an astrobiologist at University of Wisconsin. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(08:20) – History of life on Earth
(16:25) – Origin of life
(39:11) – Genetic language of life
(52:08) – Life and energy
(1:02:50) – Ancient DNA
(1:21:48) – Evolution
(1:33:19) – Alien life
(2:01:19) – Panspermia
(2:07:41) – Restarting life on Earth
(2:20:23) – Where ideas come from
(2:27:54) – Science and language
(2:36:31) – Love
(2:37:55) – Advice to young people
(2:42:29) – Meaning of life