Koenzyme als Verbindungsstücke zwischen Geo- und Biochemie

Abstract Coenzymes may have played a central role in the origin of metabolism by bridging geochemical catalysis and early biochemistry. They can function independently of enzymes in mineral-rich environments. Many share nucleotide-derived features, such as AMP moieties, which might have enhanced their stability, selectivity, or interaction with metal surfaces. By enabling redox and other functional group transfers, coenzymes could have supported the transition from simple geochemical reactions to self-sustaining (bio)chemical reactions.