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277 points Gaishan | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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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.

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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.
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jojobas ◴[] No.45193162[source]
It's thought that life on Earth started with RNA mayhem, not with vessels to isolate from it.
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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.
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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.

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1. kjkjadksj ◴[] No.45200443[source]
Part of what makes RNA world so compelling is the RNA is both code and hardware. Yes, central dogma is not the end all be all. RNA structures can be catalytic just like enzymes.