Simple mechanisms of early life – simulation model on the origin of semi-cells
| Autor: | Martin Bock, Adrian Klein, Wolfgang Alt |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2017 |
| Předmět: |
0301 basic medicine
Statistics and Probability Cells Lipid Bilayers Origin of Life Nanotechnology 010402 general chemistry 01 natural sciences Micelle Catalysis General Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular Biology 03 medical and health sciences Molecular dynamics Abiogenesis Sulfites Molecule Computer Simulation Ferrous Compounds Organic Chemicals Particle Size Lipid bilayer Simple (philosophy) Physics Evolution Chemical Applied Mathematics General Medicine Biological Evolution Cell Compartmentation 0104 chemical sciences 030104 developmental biology Membrane Models Chemical Chemical physics Covalent bond Modeling and Simulation Thermodynamics Oxidation-Reduction Algorithms Hydrogen |
| Zdroj: | Biosystems. 151:34-42 |
| ISSN: | 0303-2647 |
| Popis: | The development of first cellular structures played an important role in the early evolution of life. Early evolution of life probably took place on a molecular level in a reactive environment. The iron-sulfur theory postulates the formation of cell-like structures on catalytic surfaces. Experiments show that H2S together with FeS and other metallic centers drive auto-catalytic surface reactions, in which organic molecules such as pyruvic and amino acids occur. It is questionable which mechanisms are needed to form cell-like structures under these conditions. To address this question, we implemented a model system featuring the fundamentals of molecular dynamics: heat, attraction, repulsion and formation of covalent bonds. Our basic model exhibits a series of essential processes: self-organization of lipid micelles and bilayers, formation of fluid filled cavities, flux of molecules along membranes, transport of energized groups towards sinks and whole colonies of cell-like structures on a larger scale. The results demonstrate that only a few features are sufficient for discovering hitherto non described phenomena of self-assembly and dynamics of cell-like structures as candidates for early evolving proto-cells. Significance statement The quest for a possible origin of life continues to be one of the most fascinating problems in biology. In one theoretical scenario, early life originated from a solution of reactive chemicals in the ancient deep sea, similar to conditions as to be found in thermal vents. Experiments have shown that a variety of organic molecules, the building blocks of life, form under these conditions. Based on such experiments, the iron-sulfur theory postulates the growth of cell-like structures at certain catalytic surfaces. For an explanation and proof of such a process we have developed a computer model simulating molecular assembly of lipid bilayers and formation of semi-cell cavities. The results demonstrate the possibility of cell-like self-organization under appropriate physico-chemical conditions. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|
Full Text from ScienceDirect