Protocell Dynamics: Modelling Growth and Division of Lipid Vesicles Driven by an Autocatalytic Reaction
Japraj Taneja,
No information about this author
Paul G. Higgs
No information about this author
Life,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(5), P. 724 - 724
Published: April 29, 2025
We
study
a
computational
model
of
protocell,
in
which
an
autocatalytic
reaction
sustains
itself
inside
lipid
vesicle.
The
drives
volume
growth
via
osmosis.
Membrane
area
grows
due
to
addition
lipids
from
the
environment.
membrane
rate
depends
on
external
concentration
and
tension
membrane.
In
absence
division,
cell
either
reaches
state
homeostasis
or
point
where
internal
collapses.
If
becomes
elongated,
it
can
divide
into
two
smaller
spherical
vesicles,
conserving
total
area.
determine
when
is
energetically
favorable
for
large
vesicle
divide.
Division
requires
buildup
difference
between
areas
outer
inner
leaflets
occurs
most
easily
flipping
relatively
slow.
too
fast,
parent
without
dividing.
There
typical
size
at
division
occurs,
producing
daughter
cells
unequal
sizes.
larger
daughters
regrow
same
before
next
division.
Protocells
with
active
metabolism
reach
stable
are
well
balanced.
Active
protocells
grow
conditions
inactive
cannot.
Language: Английский
A stepwise emergence of evolution in the RNA world
FEBS Letters,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: May 12, 2025
Building
on
experimental
evidence
and
replicator
theories,
I
propose
a
3‐stage
scenario
for
transition
from
autocatalysis
into
template‐based
replication
of
RNA,
providing
pathway
the
origin
life.
In
stage
1,
self‐reproduction
occurs
via
using
oligomer
substrates,
viability
relies
substrate‐specificity,
heritable
variations
are
mediated
by
structural
interactions.
2,
coexists
with
templated
ligation
external
substrates.
This
dual
mode
reproduction
combined
limited
diffusion
avoids
error
catastrophe.
3,
takes
over
uses
substrates
decreasing
size,
made
possible
enhanced
catalytic
properties
compartmentalization.
Structural
complexity,
efficiency,
metabolic
cellularization
all
evolve
gradually
interdependently,
ultimately
leading
to
evolutionary
processes
similar
extant
biology.
Impact
statement
perspective
proposes
testable
stepwise
emergence
evolution
in
an
RNA
It
shows
how
could
appear
gradual
manner,
thanks
feedback
among
random
mixtures
molecules.
highlights
couplings
between
different
facets
molecular
self‐organization,
which
bootstrap
Language: Английский