The power of crowding for the origins of life

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 2014 Dec;44(4):307-11. doi: 10.1007/s11084-014-9382-5. Epub 2015 Jan 14.

Abstract

Molecular crowding increases the likelihood that life as we know it would emerge. In confined spaces, diffusion distances are shorter, and chemical reactions produce fewer and more regular products. Crowding will occur in the spaces between Muscovite mica sheets, which has many advantages as a site for life's origins.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Silicates / chemistry*
  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Artificial Cells / metabolism*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Cell Division
  • Diffusion
  • Energy Transfer
  • Ion Transport
  • Models, Biological*
  • Origin of Life*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Specific Gravity
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Amino Acids
  • Proteins
  • muscovite