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Related Experiment Videos

Excitable artificial cells of proteinoid.

A T Przybylski1, S W Fox

  • 1Institute for Molecular and Cellular Evolution, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA.

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|January 1, 1984
PubMed
Summary

Artificial proteinoid cells, created from heated amino acids, exhibit life-like electrical properties and photosensitivity due to their double membrane structure. These findings offer insights into the origins of cellular function and potential applications in biomaterials.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomimetic chemistry
  • Origin of life studies
  • Materials science

Background:

  • Proteinoid microspheres are thermal polymers of amino acids.
  • These artificial cells mimic some properties of biological cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the assembly and properties of proteinoid cells.
  • To investigate the electrical and photosensitive characteristics of these artificial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Heating amino acid mixtures to form polymers.
  • Dissolving polymers and cooling to form spheroidal cells.
  • Microencapsulation of various substances within the cells.
  • Characterization of electrical properties and photosensitivity.

Main Results:

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  • Proteinoid cells possess double membranes and variable internal compositions.
  • Cells exhibit electrical polarization, discharges, and respond to ionic/electric stimuli.
  • Membrane properties like asymmetric permeability and channeling contribute to electrical phenomena.
  • Photosensitivity is observed due to chromophores like pteridine and flavin.

Conclusions:

  • Proteinoid cells demonstrate complex electrical behaviors, including action potentials and oscillations.
  • Their structure and composition enable encapsulation and responsiveness to external influences.
  • These artificial cells provide a model for understanding early cellular evolution and developing novel functional materials.