Primordial Cell MembranePrimordial Cell Membrane

OverviewOverview

Structure Function Ingredients Self-assembly Challenges Future Work

Structure Function Ingredients Self-assembly Challenges Future Work

Cell MembraneCell Membrane

Bilayer Amphiphilic molecules Transport protein Stabilizing protein, glycolipid, cholesterol

Bilayer Amphiphilic molecules Transport protein Stabilizing protein, glycolipid, cholesterol

FunctionFunction Protection- from competing reagents

- protect sensitive organic molecules from heat and radiation what about amino acids found in meteorites?

Concentration- facilitating interaction between molecules

- RNA world theory, inefficiencies of other methods

Compartmentalization / Organization permeability transport

Protection- from competing reagents

- protect sensitive organic molecules from heat and radiation what about amino acids found in meteorites?

Concentration- facilitating interaction between molecules

- RNA world theory, inefficiencies of other methods

Compartmentalization / Organization permeability transport

Was primordial cell membrane capable of these functions ?

Was primordial cell membrane capable of these functions ?

If yes, then how important was cell membrane in the early origin of life?

If yes, then how important was cell membrane in the early origin of life?

Available ingredientsAvailable ingredients

Plenty organic compounds (C, N, O, S, P) from: (107 kg / yr in modern day)

1. Interstellar space - from interior of stars- evidence from meteorites, cometary and asteroidal dust- concentrated and combined into more complex molecular species (eg PAH)

• Atmosphere• Volcanoes• Hydrotermal vents

Plenty organic compounds (C, N, O, S, P) from: (107 kg / yr in modern day)

1. Interstellar space - from interior of stars- evidence from meteorites, cometary and asteroidal dust- concentrated and combined into more complex molecular species (eg PAH)

• Atmosphere• Volcanoes• Hydrotermal vents

Then?Then?

Self-assembly Self-assembly

Cell MembraneCell Membrane

Bilayer Amphiphilic molecules Transport protein Stabilizing protein, glycolipid, cholesterol

Bilayer Amphiphilic molecules Transport protein Stabilizing protein, glycolipid, cholesterol

ProblemsProblems- Permeability ? How to get macromolecule inside

- micelles, single chain

- selected RNA species, also ion-conducting channel - hydration-dehydration / freeze-thaw cycles

- High temperature, high concentration = high osmotic pressure

- Divalent cations bind to anionic head groups = unstable

- Specific pH

- Permeability ? How to get macromolecule inside

- micelles, single chain

- selected RNA species, also ion-conducting channel - hydration-dehydration / freeze-thaw cycles

- High temperature, high concentration = high osmotic pressure

- Divalent cations bind to anionic head groups = unstable

- Specific pH

Future workFuture work

Could a primordial cell membrane be formed in Earth’s early condition?

How to solve the permeability and transport problem?

Which amphiphilic molecules are the most stable?

Involvement of PAH in primordial cell membrane.

Could a primordial cell membrane be formed in Earth’s early condition?

How to solve the permeability and transport problem?

Which amphiphilic molecules are the most stable?

Involvement of PAH in primordial cell membrane.