Protocells self-assembling on micrometeorites hint at origins of life

Protocells self-assembling on micrometeorites hint at origins of life

Micrometeorites are thought to shower down on planets throughout the universe, so the discovery that they help protocells form could tell us something about the chances of life elsewhere

Abiotic Formation Of Hexoses And Disaccharides In Aqueous Microdroplets - Astrobiology

Understanding the chemical reactions that led to the origin of life is a fundamental challenge of chemistry. The formose reaction, an abiotic pathway to monosaccharides, provides a mechanism of sugar formation from simple aldehydes and ketones. However, the reaction requires the addition of base, metal catalysts, and is prone to side reactions, leaving questions about […] The post Abiotic Formation Of Hexoses And Disaccharides In Aqueous Microdr…

Micrometric Protocells and Self-Organization: Insights into the Origin of Life

Protocells are membrane-bound spheres formed from fatty molecules, thought to be similar to early living cell precursors. Henning Dalhof/Science Photography Library Structures similar to those enveloping living cells have demonstrated the ability to self-assemble in micrometeorites, hinting that dust across planets might contribute to life’s origins. “If we can establish that protocells arise from micrometeorites [...] The post Micrometric Proto…