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Characterizing Mixed Single-Chain Amphiphile-Based Coacervates as a Robust Protocell System.

Gauri M Patki1, Vanthanaa Sridhar1, Sudha Rajamani1

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Summary
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Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) systems, like the nonanoic acid coacervate model, concentrate prebiotic chemicals. These compartments show potential for RNA sequestration and nonenzymatic reactions, aiding life

Keywords:
RNA sequestrationcoacervatesfatty acidsorigin of lifeprotocells

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Area of Science:

  • Origin of life studies
  • Protocell research
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Early Earth's prebiotic soup was dilute, requiring concentration mechanisms for chemical reactions.
  • Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) offers a pathway to concentrate molecules for early life.
  • Fatty acid vesicles and decanoic acid coacervates are explored as protocell models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a mixed amphiphile coacervate system for prebiotic relevance.
  • To investigate the stability and functionality of coacervates under various conditions.
  • To demonstrate RNA sequestration and catalytic capabilities within these coacervates.

Main Methods:

  • Formation and characterization of nonanoic acid, nonanol, and tyramine coacervates.
  • Testing coacervate stability across a range of pH, temperature, and salt concentrations.
  • Demonstration of RNA sequestration and nonenzymatic template-directed primer extension.

Main Results:

  • A mixed amphiphile coacervate system (NA, NOH, tyramine) forms across broad environmental conditions.
  • Coacervates effectively sequester RNA, with enhanced sequestration in the presence of cationic amino acids.
  • Nonenzymatic template-directed primer extension is successfully demonstrated within the coacervates.

Conclusions:

  • Mixed amphiphile coacervates represent a promising model for prebiotic compartments.
  • These coacervates can concentrate essential molecules and support key reactions for abiogenesis.
  • The findings highlight the importance of LLPS and cosolute interactions in the origin of life.