What is the origin of the first cell?
The origin of the first cell is a subject of multidisciplinary research. It is believed that the first protocell could have emerged from vesicles or micelles formed by amphiphiles like fatty acids and phospholipids . These protocells would have been functional bags capable of incorporating small organic compounds necessary for survival . The ion composition of modern cells suggests that protocells evolved in habitats with high concentrations of potassium, phosphate, and transition metals . Geochemical reconstruction indicates that the chemistry conducive to the origin of cells could have existed in vapor-dominated zones of geothermal systems . The first cell likely arose when a vesicle acquired the ability to copy informational macromolecules, carry out catalytic functions, and couple energy from the environment . The assembly of the first cell may have involved the formation of a primitive membrane or microsphere in a hydrophobic medium, leading to subsequent biochemical self-replication and enzyme catalysis .
Answers from top 5 papers
Papers (5) | Insight |
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10 Citations | The paper discusses a possible scenario for the origin of the first cells on Earth, suggesting that the assembly of a primitive membrane or microsphere in a hydrophobic medium provided a suitable structure for subsequent biochemical self-replication and enzyme catalysis. |
The origin of the first cell is believed to have occurred when several entities came together in a single vesicle, allowing for the replication of informational macromolecules, specific catalytic functions, and energy coupling. This jump-started life and the evolution of organisms. | |
8 Citations | The paper discusses the hypothesis that organic molecules self-assembled to form the first protocell around 4 billion years ago. The exact sequence of events leading to the first cell is still uncertain. |
The origin of the first cells is believed to be in terrestrial, anoxic geothermal fields, specifically in shallow ponds of condensed and cooled geothermal vapor. | |
The paper discusses the origin of the first cell, proposing the idea of a [GADV]-protenoid microsphere as the protocell, which could incorporate small chemical compounds and evolve without genes. |