Kinetics overcome thermodynamics in primitive analogs of the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle

Key Points

• This research investigates the kinetic aspects of the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle as a prebiotic carbon fixation strategy.
• Utilized reaction exploration algorithms to analyze kinetic pathways.
• Examined prebiotic analogs related to the rTCA cycle.
• Assessed CO2 fixation mechanisms in primitive systems.
• Identified conditions under which kinetics dominate over thermodynamics.
• Showed potential for rTCA cycles in prebiotic environments.
• Revealed insights into the evolution of metabolic pathways.