Physico-chemical model of a protocell

Area of Science:

• Physico-chemical modeling
• Theoretical biology
• Chemical kinetics

Background:

• Understanding the origins of cellular life requires models of self-maintaining protocells.
• Reaction-diffusion systems are fundamental to protocell dynamics.
• Surface motion and its feedback mechanisms are crucial for protocell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a physico-chemical model of a self-maintaining protocell.
• To investigate the role of surface motion (Stefan condition) in protocell dynamics.
• To analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics and identify conditions for protocell division.

Main Methods:

• Development of a physico-chemical model incorporating reaction, diffusion, and surface motion (Stefan condition).
• Linear stability analysis using spherical harmonics expansion (Ylm) to study spatio-temporal dynamics.
• Investigation of nonlinear dynamics initiated by instabilities.

Main Results:

• Modes with l >= 2 become unstable with increasing nutrient supply.
• The l=2 mode instability triggers nonlinear dynamics, interpreted as the onset of cell division.
• Surface tension exhibits a stabilizing effect on protocell dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The model demonstrates how reaction-diffusion processes coupled with surface motion can lead to protocell division.
• Nutrient availability is a critical factor controlling the stability and division of protocells.
• Surface tension plays a regulatory role in protocell morphogenesis.