Chapter 28.2, Problem 4LO

Summary Introduction

To Analyze:

Compare the implications of the protein-first, RNA-first, and membrane-first hypotheses for

the evolution of the first living cell.

Introduction:

There are many hypotheses regarding the origin of life. Billion years ago, the Earth was very much different from today, with enormous amounts of energy. The oceans contained lots of organic compounds created by inorganic processes. This process led to the building of more complex molecules. The nucleic acids form a pre-cellular life enclosed in a lipid-protein membrane, which resulted in the formation of the first cells.