Formation of the first cells

What four key processes were required for the spontaneous origin of cells?

Catalysis
Self Replication
Self assembly
Compartmentalization

Why are these processes important?

They enabled non living chemistry to transition toward living systems

What is catalysis

process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction using a catalyst that is not consumed

How do catalysts work?

lower the activation energy needed for reactions, making them faster and more efficient.

What natural catalysts may have existed on prebiotic earth

Metal ions, clays, and mineral surfaces

What are catalysts in modern cells?

Enzymes
Ribozymes

Give an example of natural catalysts on Early Earth

Hydrothermal vents with iron and sulphur compounds could have catalysed amino acid or sugar formation

Which molecule is thought to have been the first self-replicating molecule?

RNA

Why is RNA proposed as the first genetic material instead of DNA?

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyse reactions, unlike DNA.

How did RNA replication contribute to early evolution?

RNA molecules that replicated more efficiently persisted, a primitive form of natural selection

What are organic molecule need to form?

Polymers such as protein, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and lipids

What conditions on pre-biotic Earth could drive self-assembly?

Heat, mineral surfaces, drying cycles and UV radiation

Give an example of self-assembly

Amino acids linking into polypeptides, or phospholipids forming bilayers in water.

Why are phospholipid bilayers important?

They form the structural foundation of cell membranes

Why was compartmentalization essential for the first cells?

It separated life’s chemistry from the external environment.

How do lipids contribute to compartmentalization?

They self-organize into bilayers, forming vesicles

What advantages did compartmentalization provide?

Concentration of reactants, protection from external fluctuations, and a controlled internal environment.

What analogy describes a protocell?

A protocell is like a tiny lab — its membrane keeps reactions inside instead of dispersing.