Synergistic Prebiotic Formation of Deoxyribose from Ribose: UV Irradiation and Redox-Active Clay Surfaces(Estimated Calculating Simulation)

The prebiotic formation of deoxyribose, the defining sugar of DNA, has long been considered a major chemical paradox due to its enzymatic requirement for C2′-hydroxyl reduction. Here, we present a quantitative, enzyme-free model of UV- and clay-mediated conversion of ribose into deoxyribose that incorporates environmental synergism. By including a semi-empirical synergy factor SenvSenv, which accounts for adsorption, photoprotection, and redox enhancement, we simulate enhanced deoxyribose accumulation. Stochastic and deterministic simulations demonstrate that while the reaction remains sensitive to UV flux and quantum yield (ΦΦ), synergistic effects allow prebiotically significant yields (up to 30–50%). This work integrates Chemical Darwinism and the Matter World Hypothesis, offering a plausible testable route for DNA sugar formation under early Earth conditions.