Theoretical origin of life; new fun and games in the lab (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, October 09, 2018, 22:10 (2025 days ago) @ David Turell

This study uses complex proteins to encapsulate RNA molecules to mimic the way life might have started:

https://phys.org/news/2018-10-life-membraneless-protocells.html

"The RNA world hypothesis assumes that RNA biomolecules were key players during this time as they carry genetic information and act as enzymes. However, one requirement for RNA activity is that there are a certain number of molecules within close enough proximity to one another. This would be possible if RNA was contained within a compartment, such as membraneless microdroplets (coacervates). Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried have shown for the first time that simple RNA is active within membraneless microdroplets, enabling a suitable environment for the beginning of life.

Comment: Definition: coacervate: An aggregate of macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, that form a stable colloid unit with properties that resemble living matter.

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"In their study, the researchers proved for the first time that RNA is active within such membraneless microdroplets, supporting a previous hypothesis that coacervates act as protocells and could therefore be a precursor of the cell that exists today. The ability of coacervates to accumulate RNA would have helped to overcome the dilution problem of biomolecules and offered a suitable environment for reactions with each other. Furthermore, these membraneless droplets allow free transfer of RNA between the droplets. Dr. Björn Drobot, the first author of this study, explains: "One of the really exciting things is that we have shown that coacervates act as a controlled genetic transfer system, in which shorter RNA pieces can shuttle between droplets while longer pieces are trapped in the hosting microdroplet. In this way, these protocells (coacervates) have the ability to transfer genetic information between other protocells which would have been an important criterion for starting life.'"

Comment: This funded study comes from our taxes. It proves nothing about the origin of life, but supports a theory that requires the Earth was filled with various proteins that somehow happened to get together. Proves nothing to consider as a practical option.