Linking Catalysis in Biochemical and Geochemical CO ₂ Fixation at the Emergence of Life

Abstract H 2 ‐producing, submarine hydrothermal vents present a plausible environment for the prebiotic synthesis of the first organic compounds at the emergence of life. Geochemical CO 2 reduction at these vent systems harbors similarity to the ancient, biochemical acetyl‐CoA pathway of CO 2 fixation in modern autotrophs. Both pathways involve catalytic transformations with transition metals as active centers. This concept article provides some insight about origins of life, mineral‐catalyzed CO 2 reduction, and its correlation to the enzymatic pathway by focusing on key studies.