Re:Scientists Debate the Origin of Cell Types in the First A...
by ilamont on Tuesday July 23, 2019 @10:59AM
(#20507242)
This reminded me the research of Jack Szostak, a Nobel Laureate who is looking back even further to the origins of life itself. Specifically, how the first protocells formed and reproduced. From an article published this summer (https://harvardmagazine.com/2019/07/origin-life-earth):
He and others believe they can reconstruct in the lab the long pathway that led from chemicals in space, to Earth’s formation, to pre-life chemistry on the planet, to early protocells, and finally to advanced cells with metabolism and protein synthesis.
It goes on to say:
Despite some theories that early life arose near hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean, Szostak is more convinced by research showing that the earliest cells developed on land in ponds or pools, possibly in volcanically active regions. Ultraviolet light and lightning strikes could have helped convert molecules in the atmosphere into cyanide and other useful materials to generate the building blocks of life. The shallow water would give those materials a place to accumulate at high concentrations, and volcanic activity could create hot and cold temperature fluctuations helpful for certain chemical reactions.
Key elements in the protocell included a fatty membrane for protection and growth/division, something which his group has been able to demonstrate in the lab. A bigger challenge is passing along genetic material to the next generation, which involves complicated RNA replication processes.
He and others believe they can reconstruct in the lab the long pathway that led from chemicals in space, to Earth’s formation, to pre-life chemistry on the planet, to early protocells, and finally to advanced cells with metabolism and protein synthesis.
It goes on to say:
Despite some theories that early life arose near hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean, Szostak is more convinced by research showing that the earliest cells developed on land in ponds or pools, possibly in volcanically active regions. Ultraviolet light and lightning strikes could have helped convert molecules in the atmosphere into cyanide and other useful materials to generate the building blocks of life. The shallow water would give those materials a place to accumulate at high concentrations, and volcanic activity could create hot and cold temperature fluctuations helpful for certain chemical reactions.
Key elements in the protocell included a fatty membrane for protection and growth/division, something which his group has been able to demonstrate in the lab. A bigger challenge is passing along genetic material to the next generation, which involves complicated RNA replication processes.
Full article: https://harvardmagazine.com/2019/07/origin-life-earth