Primitive Membrane Potential Generation via Thiol-Driven Redox Cycling and Phosphate Coupling on Lipid-Coated Mineral Interfaces

This paper proposes a novel hypothesis for the origin of primitive membrane potentials on early Earth, based on thiol redox cycling and phosphate coupling in lipid films coated on mineral surfaces. Sulfur-containing molecules embedded in lipid layers undergo redox reactions across the mineral-water interface, generating directional proton transport and electrochemical gradients. These gradients could have driven early energy-conserving reactions, such as polyphosphate cleavage or condensation, thus enabling foundational chemical cycles prior to the emergence of enzymes. The model integrates geochemical conditions, including NaCl gradients and mineral-bound catalytic surfaces, with lipid-mediated redox and phosphate chemistry. It offers a plausible framework for the evolution of protocellular energy systems and builds upon earlier work on –C=N– and –C–S– based molecular complementarity. This contribution follows the author's previous publication: “Self-Replicating Systems: Diversity, Specificity, and the Energetic Bonding of –C–N– Structures” (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15661700). Author Tetsuo Konno(今野哲夫) is not affiliated with any other individuals of the same name. Please ensure accurate attribution when citing.