The importance of being alkaline

Russell, M.J. (2003) The importance of being alkaline. Science, 302(5645), pp. 580-581. (doi: 10.1126/science.1091765)

Abstract

The earliest forms of "protolife" on Earth must have been able to reproduce and replicate; it is likely that they were also cellular. How might such systems have formed? In his Perspective, Russell highlights the report by Hanczyc et al., who show that clay particles can catalyze the formation of lipid vesicles. These particles also adsorb RNA. If the vesicles are forced to divide, RNA is distributed among the daughter vesicles. Similar conditions to those used in the experiments may have existed at mounds created by alkaline, hydrothermal seepages on the ancient ocean floor. However, instead of lipids, polypeptides formed from amino acids may have formed the first organic membranes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Russell, Prof Michael
• Authors: Russell, M.J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry; Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Science
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• ISSN (Online): 1095-9203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2003 by The American Association for the Advancement of Science.
• First Published: First published in Science 302(5645):580-581
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.