Minimal Cell Model to Understand Origin of Life and Evolution

Abstract

When we consider the origin of life and its evolution, there is the missing link between inanimate and animate worlds. This chapter aims to connect this missing link by applying a constructive approach that creates an artificial molecular system that expresses similar dynamics as those of a life system using amphiphilic molecules and their self-assemblies. We discuss molecular self-assemblies that express prebiotic dynamics, such as spontaneous movements and self-winding of a helix, or exhibit self-reproducing dynamics of a vesicular cell model and self-replication of informational Substances within a vesicular cell. A plausible evolution model of prebiotic cells is also proposed.