The origin of heredity in protocells

Area of Science:

• Origin of life studies
• Computational biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Early protocells likely originated heredity through self-replication.
• Autotrophic protocells utilized CO2 and H2 for organic matter production.
• Proton gradients across membranes and iron-sulfur nanocrystals were key facilitators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To computationally model the origin of heredity in simple protocells.
• To investigate the role of carbon fixation and positive feedbacks in early life.
• To establish conditions for protocell heredity and competition.

Main Methods:

• Development of a computational model for protocell evolution.
• Thermodynamic modeling of organic molecule formation.
• Analysis of positive feedback mechanisms in protocell membranes.

Main Results:

• Identified three positive feedbacks: increased catalytic surface area, FeS nanocrystal partitioning, and a proton-motive active site.
• Demonstrated how these feedbacks enable fastest-growing protocells to dominate via heredity.
• Linked organic synthesis to ribonucleotide formation, suggesting early RNA replication and protocell growth.

Conclusions:

• The model provides a framework for understanding the emergence of protocell heredity and competition.
• Highlights the crucial role of specific molecular interactions and environmental conditions.
• Identifies key areas for future experimental validation in origin of life research.