Abiogenesis: Beyond the research journals as a lead in to discussions on evolution
The fascinating field of abiogenesis is, as Nick Lane put it, "a wild west of ideas, theories, speculations, and even data". The stories we have involve a plethora of assumptions, there is no hypothesis where all or most of the pieces would fit together. Usually scientists agree it was RNA that played central role in the process, as the molecule could both carry the genetic code, necessary for hereditary natural selection, and catalyze basic biochemical reactions. Where the energy came from and how it was harnessed to maintain RNA (a rather unstable molecule) and perform work is still debated. A fermentation in a 'primordial soup' or a primitive form of respiration, perhaps through a thin iron-sulphur membrane, have been proposed as possibilities. The second gave a start to the iron-sulphur world hypothesis. Iron-sulphur minerals could catalyse the first organic reactions to synthetize sugars, amino-acids and nucleotides, and eventually RNA world, where natural selection could take over. Theories abound.

Usually reviews will give you a sound and approachable picture of the current thought on the matter. Take a look into Nick Lane's book and these articles, too.


Lane N., Origin of Life in: Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life. Oxford University Press, 2005. p. 94-104. 
Russell, Michael (2006). First Life. American Scientist 94 (1):32.
Van Noorden R., RNA world easier to make - Ingenious chemistry shows how nucleotides may have formed in the primordial soup. Nature 2009
Check Hayden E. A never-ending dance of RNA - The recreation of life's origins comes a self-catalysing step closer. Nature 2009.
Cech TR. Exploring the New RNA World. Nobel Prize articles 
Müller UF. Re-creating an RNA world. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2006 Jun;63(11):1278-93.
Lazcano A, Miller SL. The origin and early evolution of life: prebiotic chemistry, the pre-RNA world, and time. Cell. 1996 Jun 14;85(6):793-8.