←back to thread

277 points Gaishan | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
Show context
andrewflnr ◴[] No.45191739[source]
The linked paper is open access: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-journa...

Among other things, it contains details on what amphiphiles might actually be present on Titan, a very nice set of diagrams explaining their proposed process, and proposals for lab experiments to verify whether the process is possible. I've had a soft spot for the vesicle-first theory of abiogenesis since I first heard of it, so I hope someone runs the experiments. But as far as I can tell, this is all theoretical so far.

replies(1): >>45191950 #
rolph ◴[] No.45191950[source]
amphiphillic vesicles are a stepping stone for persistent molecular forms. essentially a reaction vessel, insulating the contents from the extravesicular mayhem.
replies(1): >>45193162 #
jojobas ◴[] No.45193162[source]
It's thought that life on Earth started with RNA mayhem, not with vessels to isolate from it.
replies(3): >>45193492 #>>45199231 #>>45202082 #
andrewflnr ◴[] No.45193492[source]
RNA world is mainstream, but a few scientists have proposed that something like cell membranes, such as these vesicles, came first and provided the environment for more complex chemistry.
replies(1): >>45193767 #
evrimoztamur ◴[] No.45193767[source]
Life exists at the boundaries of density changes.

It makes absolutely no sense that the code would precede the hardware, and the hardware needs shielding.

replies(7): >>45193906 #>>45193980 #>>45194040 #>>45194897 #>>45196493 #>>45196773 #>>45200443 #
1. cmrx64 ◴[] No.45194040[source]
transmembrane proteins are complex hardware of their own…