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What is the origin of the first cell? 


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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 .

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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.
Book ChapterDOI
Arthur L. Koch, Simon Silver 
25 Citations
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.
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.

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