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
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
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Biomimetic Materials / metabolism
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Cytoplasm / chemistry
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Cytoplasm / metabolism
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Earth, Planet*
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Ecosystem*
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Evolution, Chemical*
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Hydrogels / chemistry*
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Hydrogels / metabolism*
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Models, Biological*
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Models, Chemical
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Origin of Life*