Sample hydrocarbon structure
19. Some Scientists See Hydrocarbons As Evidence For Abiogenesis
Scientists believe that abiotic generation, also known as abiogenesis, of hydrocarbons may occur at the vents of the Lost City. Some evidence suggests that hydrocarbons with low molecular weight may be synthesized at the vents, through a unique type of reaction that occurs at the basement rocks.
Scientists believe that the abiogenesis of hydrocarbons could be evidence of the abiotic generation of life, meaning life emerging from non-living matter. Hydrocarbons are an essential component of DNA, the building block of life. DNA is a molecule that is able to replicate itself, so it is possibly the smallest, most basic form of life.