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Related Concept Videos

Prokaryotic Cells01:51

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains—Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common organisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
Prokaryotic Cells01:28

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains — Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common microorganisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
Binary Fission01:20

Binary Fission

Fission is the division of a single entity into two or more parts, which regenerate into separate entities that resemble the original. Organisms in the Archaea and Bacteria domains reproduce using binary fission, in which a parent cell splits into two parts that can each grow to the size of the original parent cell. This asexual method of reproduction produces cells that are all genetically identical.
Binary Fission01:26

Binary Fission

Binary fission is the primary mode of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. It results in the production of two genetically identical daughter cells. This highly efficient process ensures the rapid propagation of bacterial populations under favorable conditions and involves coordinated cellular and molecular events.DNA Replication and SeparationThe process begins with the replication of the bacterial chromosome. The circular DNA molecule unwinds at a specific origin of...
Replication in Prokaryotes01:32

Replication in Prokaryotes

DNA replication has three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Replication in prokaryotes begins when initiator proteins bind to the single origin of replication (ori) on the cell's circular chromosome. Replication then proceeds around the entire circle of the chromosome in each direction from the two replication forks, resulting in two DNA molecules.
Many Proteins Work Together to Replicate the Chromosome
Replication is coordinated and carried out by a host of specialized...
Replication in Prokaryotes02:35

Replication in Prokaryotes

Overview

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Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria
13:54

Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria

Published on: April 2, 2013

Nonreplicating protocells.

Cristina Del Bianco1, Sheref S Mansy

  • 1CIBIO, University of Trento, Italy.

Accounts of Chemical Research
|July 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Experiments show that early life likely involved more than just self-replication. Protocells, or primitive cell-like systems, may have adapted to environmental changes and resource availability to survive and evolve.

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Area of Science:

  • Origin of life studies
  • Astrobiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Prebiotic soup experiments demonstrate the formation of life's molecular building blocks.
  • Research is advancing from molecular synthesis to polymerization and RNA function.
  • Focus is intensifying on assembling molecular components into model protocells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally investigate the assembly of molecular parts into model protocells.
  • To understand the properties and functions of prebiotically plausible lipid vesicles.
  • To explore non-replication-based aspects crucial for the transition to early life.

Main Methods:

  • Formation and analysis of prebiotically plausible lipid vesicles.
  • Experimental examination of vesicle properties conducive to cellular function.
  • Investigating vesicle roles in protecting genetic systems and facilitating evolution.

Main Results:

  • Prebiotically plausible lipid vesicles form readily and exhibit properties essential for cellular function.
  • Vesicles can protect nascent replicating genetic systems and promote evolution.
  • Evidence suggests vesicles could grow, divide, and foster competition between chemical systems.

Conclusions:

  • Protocell studies are moving beyond self-replication to explore other life features.
  • Environmental adaptation and interaction are critical for early life survival.
  • Further research into non-replication aspects will provide a more complete origin of life picture.