Before the advent of life on our planet, the environment contained a large number of chemical elements that interacted with each other very chaotic. Scientists from Tokyo Institute of technology and National University of Malaysia found out why chemical compounds to the origin of life was more complex than previously thought.
The earth is occupied by cellular forms of life. Cells are complex structures that consist of many chemical components, including proteins and nucleic acids. All of these components are necessary for the cells to live, grow and develop. Cells interact with the environment, share with each other food and waste. But what was on our planet before that?
Chemistry is the basis of life on Earth?
Today, scientists have come to the conclusion that before the appearance of life on Earth, there were a large number of diverse molecules. They appeared together from simple organic substances and very different from anything scientists looking at microscopes today. The evolution began with simple chemistry, but gradually the process became more complex. So there is a known structure and cells.
Scientists learned that if a simple hydroxy acids for example lactic acid to dry, and then again diluted with water, the acid will turn into gel microdroplets. That is, looking into a microscope and examining chemical reactions, the scientists found that these tiny chemical components are transformed into a gel.
On their own, without any help from the outside, the chemical elements are going to gel microscopic droplets as soon as they re-enters the water. And after such amazing processes microdroplets to form a simple cell structure.
Here’s an entertaining chemistry led to the formation of a new type of cellular components, with familiar scientists acids and proteins. It is also noteworthy that these processes occurred as in the ancient coasts of the Earth, and in drying up the puddles.
You need to create life?
Unlike most modern cells, these microdroplets can be easily connected with each other, gather information and turn into something new. And one of the most important functions of cells are known to collect nutrients and protecting genetic information they contain. That is why biologists believe these primitive micro-ingredients were very important for the origin of life.
Also interesting: the First life on Earth may have begun in puddles and ponds, not oceans
For scientists this study proved to be quite difficult, because they had to seek new methods of research and to define properties, functions and characteristics of the gel microdroplets. Nobody did anything like that.
So under the microscope and with the use of gel microdroplets dye look
Previously, scientists searched for the molecule and the elements which could appear due to environmental exposure. According to experts, these are molecules and elements could lead to the emergence of the first cells. However, no one could understand how it happened.
The study worked researchers from different countries and fields of science. The team included biochemists, chemists, geologists, materials scientists, and even. Now, after determining the primitive cell, scientists need to understand whether these microdroplets to perform such important functions as maintaining cell activity.
However, the likelihood is high that before the advent of gel microdroplets there was something else. But despite such assumptions, scientists do not doubt that the elements that comprise microdroplets, and microdroplets themselves actively participated in the creation of the first complex biochemical processes on Earth.
See also: There are more than 100 definitions of life, and they are all wrong
The authors hope that in the future their discovery will help in the search for extraterrestrial life and at the same time contribute to the emergence of new medical developments.
Think what amazing discoveries will lead to the detection of gel microdroplets? Share your opinions in the comments, or in our Telegram chat.