Hypothesis: the origin of life in a hydrogel environment

Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2005 Sep;89(1):1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2004.07.003.

Abstract

A hypothesis is proposed that the first cell(s) on the Earth assembled in a hydrogel environment. Gel environments are capable of retaining water, oily hydrocarbons, solutes, and gas bubbles, and are capable of carrying out many functions, even in the absence of a membrane. Thus, the gel-like environment may have conferred distinct advantages for the assembly of the first cell(s).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Earth, Planet*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Evolution, Chemical*
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Origin of Life*

Substances

  • Hydrogels