protocells
Encapsulating structures, or vesicles, made of simple membrane-forming material which could have self-assembled in the protobiological environment. The presence of such membrane-forming material in carbonaceous chondrites is consistent with this idea. Moreover, recent experiments have shown that vesicular lipid bilayer structures can grow by spontaneous addition of membrane-forming material from the surrounding medium, and can encapsulate both ions and macromolecules.
Related entry
• origin of cell membranes
Related category
• ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF LIFE
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)
BACK TO TOP
|
