RE: The Origin of life (abiogenesis) | The Bridge Between In-organic(lifeless) and Organic(life).
hi @scienceblocks,
thanks for the contribution... you did a great job!!
As regards to my conclusion: it is very true that a protocell has been created, but a protocell is just a precursor for a true biological cell. although protocells have been achieved to possess the characteristics of growth and replication but none has yet attain the criteria to be declared a typical cell (a living cell).
I made a statement earlier that "Life might sound simple but it goes a long way differentiating the living from the non-living."
kindly check out this article: source; ncbi
when we describe an organism as alive, it means that it can self-maintain, self-reproduce, evolve, and die.Biological cells possess three main components for performing the essential functions of life :
- A stable, semi-permeable membrane that encloses cell constituents protecting them from being damaged by the external environment while allowing selective material and energy exchanges.
- Biomacromolecules (DNA or RNA) that carry the genetic information, control the dynamics of the cell, and endow it with the capability of evolution.
- A series of metabolic pathways used for providing energy to cells, to make them self-maintain and self-renew, as well as self-process information.
It is highly desirable that artificial cells possess all three features of biological cells. Although an artificial cell that possesses all basic properties of a living cell has not been created so far, recent advancements indicate that it is now a realistic goal.
I think I'm still correct concluding that way- or what is your say about this?
I agree, You are correct that it can't be classified as living, because it can't self-sustain. I was trying to point that efforts of researchers in combining macromolecules has not been fruitless. They have created artificial systems with minimalistic criteria or what you call a prototype for life. But yes it would be more exciting to see an artificial self sustaining cell in action. Now reverse engineered cells may fit the bill, but even I don't like the fact that, they aren't artificial enough. I think this is a very interesting topic you have opened.