The theory of surface metabolism proposes that life originated as autotrophic surface metabolists, which are acellular, lack enzymes and nucleic acids, but possess autocatalytic metabolism confined to a two-dimensional monomolecular layer. These organisms are anionically bonded to positively charged mineral surfaces, such as pyrite, and evolve through environmental-induced ignition of new autocatalytic cycles. Surface-bonded constituents are selected for their strong anionic bonding, leading to the emergence of polyanionic coenzymes, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. The surface metabolism favors synthesis over degradation, and high-energy phosphoanhydride groups are not required for covalent bond formation. Phosphate groups serve only for surface bonding, while energy for carbon fixation comes from redox reactions. The theory suggests that surface metabolists evolve into semicellular organisms with lipid membranes and internal broths, eventually leading to true cellular organisms. The theory contrasts with the prebiotic broth theory, which assumes preexisting organic building blocks. Instead, the surface metabolism theory posits that dissolved organic constituents are negligible, and any detachment leads to irreversible loss. The theory is supported by the chemical properties of surface bonding, thermodynamics, and kinetics, which favor the formation of large, surface-bonded molecules. Surface metabolism supports autocatalytic reactions and evolution through innovation and selection. The theory also explains the evolution of coenzymes, the emergence of genetic machinery, and the transition to cellular mechanisms. The surface organism can change its environment by altering the ambience, which influences the metabolic processes. The theory suggests that environmental changes can trigger inheritable metabolic novelties, and the surface organism can conquer new territories by turning surroundings into ambience. The surface metabolism theory provides a detailed explanation of the origin of life, emphasizing the role of surface bonding, autocatalytic cycles, and environmental interactions in the evolution of life.The theory of surface metabolism proposes that life originated as autotrophic surface metabolists, which are acellular, lack enzymes and nucleic acids, but possess autocatalytic metabolism confined to a two-dimensional monomolecular layer. These organisms are anionically bonded to positively charged mineral surfaces, such as pyrite, and evolve through environmental-induced ignition of new autocatalytic cycles. Surface-bonded constituents are selected for their strong anionic bonding, leading to the emergence of polyanionic coenzymes, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. The surface metabolism favors synthesis over degradation, and high-energy phosphoanhydride groups are not required for covalent bond formation. Phosphate groups serve only for surface bonding, while energy for carbon fixation comes from redox reactions. The theory suggests that surface metabolists evolve into semicellular organisms with lipid membranes and internal broths, eventually leading to true cellular organisms. The theory contrasts with the prebiotic broth theory, which assumes preexisting organic building blocks. Instead, the surface metabolism theory posits that dissolved organic constituents are negligible, and any detachment leads to irreversible loss. The theory is supported by the chemical properties of surface bonding, thermodynamics, and kinetics, which favor the formation of large, surface-bonded molecules. Surface metabolism supports autocatalytic reactions and evolution through innovation and selection. The theory also explains the evolution of coenzymes, the emergence of genetic machinery, and the transition to cellular mechanisms. The surface organism can change its environment by altering the ambience, which influences the metabolic processes. The theory suggests that environmental changes can trigger inheritable metabolic novelties, and the surface organism can conquer new territories by turning surroundings into ambience. The surface metabolism theory provides a detailed explanation of the origin of life, emphasizing the role of surface bonding, autocatalytic cycles, and environmental interactions in the evolution of life.