Fluid flows and RNA-trapping in 2D and 3D Hadean hydrothermal submarine vent models (P09)

• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 364653263

We aim to uncover the physical and chemical prerequisites for the enrichment of nucleic acids within the inor-ganic membranes produced in the chimney walls of hydrothermal vents, that form in alkaline springs under Ha-dean conditions. Our preliminary data on 3D Hadean vent models indicates that the chimney structure contains micron-sized internal pockets (“micropockets”) that can serve as potential concentration sites for nucleic acids that flow through the chimney. We will combine live imaging of both 2D vent models with detailed structure quantification of fully formed 3D vents to constrain the physical and chemical conditions for compound accumulations in chimney micropockets.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 235: Emergence of Life: exploring mechanisms with cross-disciplinary experiments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Karen Alim, since 7/2022; Professor Dr. Dieter Braun, until 6/2022; Professor William Orsi, Ph.D., since 7/2022; Professorin Dr. Bettina Scheu, until 6/2022