Electrostatic discharges and their role in the configuration of biomolecules
When we read "electrostatic discharges", we immediately associate it with danger, threat, or death because electrostatic discharges are a sudden flow of static electricity between inorganic and organic objects that in most cases end up being fatal.
Fig. 2 Electrostatic discharges or electric shocks are highly dangerous and deadly. Image of public domain, Author: Makamuki0, 2014
Before continuing and explaining why electrostatic discharges end up being deadly, I will first talk a little about the electrostatic phenomenon, which is nothing more than a physical reaction that causes an electric current to circulate suddenly and momentarily between two objects of different electric potential.
For example, we can experience an electrostatic discharge in our homes when we touch an electrical outlet or some electrical appliance with a high electrical potential, which upon colliding with our own obviously lower electrical potential produces an imbalance between electrons, and thus an eminent electrical discharge that can trigger death by electrocution.
Hence, electrostatic discharges are common in homes or workplaces, mainly in those places where people are usually or manipulating objects with high electrostatic charges, now, even though we know that this type of electrostatic contact can cause death, it is worth mentioning that paradoxically, electrostatic discharges have been associated as life-generating entities.
Fig. 3 Science has determined that electrostatic discharges may be associated with life-generating entities. Image of public domain, Author: Free-Photos, 2015
In this regard, the scientific community infers that the electrostatic charges that impacted the earth, namely lightning, could have originated the first biomolecules (organic molecules), and consequently may be the basis for the generation of life on the planet.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES CONSULTED:
[1] Brack A From the Origin of Life on Earth to Life in the Universe. 2005. Article: Online access
[2] Jortner J Conditions for the emergence of life on the early Earth: summary and reflections. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2006. 29; 361: 1474: 1877 – 1891. Article: Online access
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Hi @lupafilotaxia
The advances in relation to the creation of life on our planet amaze me more and more every day.
It never crossed my mind that lightning could be one of the bases for the generation of life.
Excellent information, thanks for sharing.
Have a great day!
Best regards.
Science has not yet finished putting together the puzzle of the origin of life, in this case it is considered that electrostatic discharges were and are generating sources of life as they manage to constitute organic material from their reactions.
Kind regards @janettyanez, be well.
Greetings friend @lupafilotaxia, we know that at present the rays that are generated in our atmosphere are of great importance for its balance, especially catalyzing the formation of ozone, in the same way, in the primitive seas the rays could catalyze reactions between carbon and nitrogen that was accumulating in them, helping the formation of amino acids, essential components for the formation of life.
Greetings dear friend @emiliomoron
Textualizing your approach "lightning could catalyze reactions between carbon and nitrogen that accumulated in them, helping the formation of amino acids, essential components for the formation of life", exactly that is the reason why electrostatic discharges are considered as generators of life, thanks for your masterful intervention.
Best regards, be well
Hello friend @lupafilotaxia, very interesting your post.
The theory of the origin of life on earth from electrostatic charges, is still debated and also defended by researchers, in particular by physicists and followers of the Big Bang theory.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello @raizayanez
Exactly are hypothesis after hypothesis, certainly science is still missing pieces to finish putting together the puzzle of the origin of life.
Best regards, be well
Hi dear friend @lupafilotaxia
We must be careful, when we change a light bulb or make a repair, I always under the fuses to avoid an accident, it is better to prevent, an electric shock can generate a tragedy.
greetings
Hello dear friend @ramsesuchiha
That's right "We have to be careful, when we change a light bulb or make a repair", as these are the most common reasons why this type of damaging events occur. Thanks for leaving your accurate and timely comment, be well. Best regards