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Jing H, Lin Y, Chang H, Bai Q, Liang D. Mass Transport in Coacervate-Based Protocell Coated with Fatty Acid under Nonequilibrium Conditions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:5587-5593. [PMID: 30942596 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Construction of protocell models from prebiotically plausible components to mimic the basic features or functions of living cells is still a challenge. In this work, we prepare a hybrid protocell model by coating sodium oleate on the coacervate droplet constituted by poly(l-lysine) and oligonucleotide and investigate the transport of different molecules under electric field. Results show that sodium oleate forms a layered viscoelastic membrane on the droplet surface, which is selectively permeable to small, polar molecules, such as oligolysine. As the droplet is stimulated at 10 V cm-1, the oleate membrane slips along the direction of electric field while maintaining its integrity. Most of the molecules are still excluded under such conditions. As repetitive cycles of vacuolization occur at 20 V cm-1, all molecules are internalized and sequestrated in the droplet through their specific pathways except enzyme, which anchors in the oleate membrane and is immune to electric field. Cascade enzymatic reactions are then carried out, and the product generated from the membrane exhibits a time-dependent concentration gradient across the droplet. Our work makes a step toward the nonequilibrium functionalization of synthetic protocells capable of biomimetic operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Jing
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Ya'nan Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Haojing Chang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Qingwen Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
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Peterson T, Müller GB. Phenotypic Novelty in EvoDevo: The Distinction Between Continuous and Discontinuous Variation and Its Importance in Evolutionary Theory. Evol Biol 2016; 43:314-335. [PMID: 27512237 PMCID: PMC4960286 DOI: 10.1007/s11692-016-9372-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of novel phenotypic structures is one of the most significant aspects of organismal evolution. Yet the concept of evolutionary novelty is used with drastically different connotations in various fields of research, and debate exists about whether novelties represent features that are distinct from standard forms of phenotypic variation. This article contrasts four separate uses for novelty in genetics, population genetics, morphology, and behavioral science, before establishing how novelties are used in evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo). In particular, it is detailed how an EvoDevo-specific research approach to novelty produces insight distinct from other fields, gives the concept explanatory power with predictive capacities, and brings new consequences to evolutionary theory. This includes the outlining of research strategies that draw attention to productive areas of inquiry, such as threshold dynamics in development. It is argued that an EvoDevo-based approach to novelty is inherently mechanistic, treats the phenotype as an agent with generative potential, and prompts a distinction between continuous and discontinuous variation in evolutionary theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Peterson
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerd B. Müller
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- The KLI Institute, Martinstrasse 12, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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Tamate R, Ueki T, Shibayama M, Yoshida R. Self-Oscillating Vesicles: Spontaneous Cyclic Structural Changes of Synthetic Diblock Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:11248-52. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201406953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tamate R, Ueki T, Shibayama M, Yoshida R. Self-Oscillating Vesicles: Spontaneous Cyclic Structural Changes of Synthetic Diblock Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201406953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Menshutkin VV, Natochin YV. Quantum processes in evolution of regulation of living systems (mathematical modeling). J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093011030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Trevors J. Suitable microscopic entropy for the origin of microbial life: Microbiological methods are challenges. J Microbiol Methods 2010; 83:341-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2010.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Trevors J. Perspective: Researching the transition from non-living to the first microorganisms: Methods and experiments are major challenges. J Microbiol Methods 2010; 81:259-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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McGuinness ET. Some Molecular Moments of the Hadean and Archaean Aeons: A Retrospective Overview from the Interfacing Years of the Second to Third Millennia. Chem Rev 2010; 110:5191-215. [DOI: 10.1021/cr050061l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene T. McGuinness
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey 07079-2690
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Lyon DY, Monier JM, Dupraz S, Freissinet C, Simonet P, Vogel TM. Integrity and biological activity of DNA after UV exposure. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:285-292. [PMID: 20446869 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2009.0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The field of astrobiology lacks a universal marker with which to indicate the presence of life. This study supports the proposal to use nucleic acids, specifically DNA, as a signature of life (biosignature). In addition to its specificity to living organisms, DNA is a functional molecule that can confer new activities and characteristics to other organisms, following the molecular biology dogma, that is, DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is translated into proteins. Previous criticisms of the use of DNA as a biosignature have asserted that DNA molecules would be destroyed by UV radiation in space. To address this concern, DNA in plasmid form was deposited onto different surfaces and exposed to UVC radiation. The surviving DNA was quantified via the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results demonstrate increased survivability of DNA attached to surfaces versus non-adsorbed DNA. The DNA was also tested for biological activity via transformation into the bacterium Acinetobacter sp. and assaying for antibiotic resistance conferred by genes encoded by the plasmid. The success of these methods to detect DNA and its gene products after UV exposure (254 nm, 3.5 J/m(2)s) not only supports the use of the DNA molecule as a biosignature on mineral surfaces but also demonstrates that the DNA retained biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delina Y Lyon
- Environmental Microbial Genomics Group, Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Ecully, France
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Trevors JT. Generalizations about bacteriology: thermodynamic, open systems, genetic instructions, and evolution. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2010; 97:313-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-010-9419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mulkidjanian AY, Galperin MY. On the origin of life in the zinc world. 2. Validation of the hypothesis on the photosynthesizing zinc sulfide edifices as cradles of life on Earth. Biol Direct 2009; 4:27. [PMID: 19703275 PMCID: PMC2749021 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-4-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accompanying article (A.Y. Mulkidjanian, Biology Direct 4:26) puts forward a detailed hypothesis on the role of zinc sulfide (ZnS) in the origin of life on Earth. The hypothesis suggests that life emerged within compartmentalized, photosynthesizing ZnS formations of hydrothermal origin (the Zn world), assembled in sub-aerial settings on the surface of the primeval Earth. RESULTS If life started within photosynthesizing ZnS compartments, it should have been able to evolve under the conditions of elevated levels of Zn2+ ions, byproducts of the ZnS-mediated photosynthesis. Therefore, the Zn world hypothesis leads to a set of testable predictions regarding the specific roles of Zn2+ ions in modern organisms, particularly in RNA and protein structures related to the procession of RNA and the "evolutionarily old" cellular functions. We checked these predictions using publicly available data and obtained evidence suggesting that the development of the primeval life forms up to the stage of the Last Universal Common Ancestor proceeded in zinc-rich settings. Testing of the hypothesis has revealed the possible supportive role of manganese sulfide in the primeval photosynthesis. In addition, we demonstrate the explanatory power of the Zn world concept by elucidating several points that so far remained without acceptable rationalization. In particular, this concept implies a new scenario for the separation of Bacteria and Archaea and the origin of Eukarya. CONCLUSION The ability of the Zn world hypothesis to generate non-trivial veritable predictions and explain previously obscure items gives credence to its key postulate that the development of the first life forms started within zinc-rich formations of hydrothermal origin and was driven by solar UV irradiation. This concept implies that the geochemical conditions conducive to the origin of life may have persisted only as long as the atmospheric CO2 pressure remained above ca. 10 bar. This work envisions the first Earth biotopes as photosynthesizing and habitable areas of porous ZnS and MnS precipitates around primeval hot springs. Further work will be needed to provide details on the life within these communities and to elucidate the primordial (bio)chemical reactions. REVIEWERS This article was reviewed by Arcady Mushegian, Eugene Koonin, and Patrick Forterre. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' reports section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armen Y Mulkidjanian
- School of Physics, Universität Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Michael Y Galperin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
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Mulkidjanian AY. On the origin of life in the zinc world: 1. Photosynthesizing, porous edifices built of hydrothermally precipitated zinc sulfide as cradles of life on Earth. Biol Direct 2009; 4:26. [PMID: 19703272 PMCID: PMC3152778 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-4-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complexity of the problem of the origin of life has spawned a large number of possible evolutionary scenarios. Their number, however, can be dramatically reduced by the simultaneous consideration of various bioenergetic, physical, and geological constraints. RESULTS This work puts forward an evolutionary scenario that satisfies the known constraints by proposing that life on Earth emerged, powered by UV-rich solar radiation, at photosynthetically active porous edifices made of precipitated zinc sulfide (ZnS) similar to those found around modern deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Under the high pressure of the primeval, carbon dioxide-dominated atmosphere ZnS could precipitate at the surface of the first continents, within reach of solar light. It is suggested that the ZnS surfaces (1) used the solar radiation to drive carbon dioxide reduction, yielding the building blocks for the first biopolymers, (2) served as templates for the synthesis of longer biopolymers from simpler building blocks, and (3) prevented the first biopolymers from photo-dissociation, by absorbing from them the excess radiation. In addition, the UV light may have favoured the selective enrichment of photostable, RNA-like polymers. Falsification tests of this hypothesis are described in the accompanying article (A.Y. Mulkidjanian, M.Y. Galperin, Biology Direct 2009, 4:27). CONCLUSION The suggested "Zn world" scenario identifies the geological conditions under which photosynthesizing ZnS edifices of hydrothermal origin could emerge and persist on primordial Earth, includes a mechanism of the transient storage and utilization of solar light for the production of diverse organic compounds, and identifies the driving forces and selective factors that could have promoted the transition from the first simple, photostable polymers to more complex living organisms.
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Rossi F, Ristori S, Rustici M, Marchettini N, Tiezzi E. Dynamics of pattern formation in biomimetic systems. J Theor Biol 2008; 255:404-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2008] [Revised: 08/22/2008] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ristori S, Rossi F, Biosa G, Marchettini N, Rustici M, Tiezzi E. Interplay between the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction–diffusion system and biomimetic matrices. Chem Phys Lett 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2007.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Trevors JT, Pollack GH. Hypothesis: the origin of life in a hydrogel environment. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 89:1-8. [PMID: 15826671 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2004.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A hypothesis is proposed that the first cell(s) on the Earth assembled in a hydrogel environment. Gel environments are capable of retaining water, oily hydrocarbons, solutes, and gas bubbles, and are capable of carrying out many functions, even in the absence of a membrane. Thus, the gel-like environment may have conferred distinct advantages for the assembly of the first cell(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Trevors
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Department of Environmental Biology, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
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Angelova A, Angelov B, Papahadjopoulos-Sternberg B, Ollivon M, Bourgaux C. Proteocubosomes: nanoporous vehicles with tertiary organized fluid interfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2005; 21:4138-43. [PMID: 15835985 DOI: 10.1021/la047745t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Proteocubosomes are nanostructured open-nanochannel hierarchical fluid vehicles characterized by a cubic lattice periodicity of the lipid/protein supramolecular assembly (protein-loaded cubosomes). They are obtained here at very high hydration levels by a three-dimensional (3D) self-assembly process, which exploits a protein-directed 3D patterning and fragmentation to create a new, tertiary-level structural order of fluid lipid/water interfaces. Our freeze-fracture electron microscopy study reveals that the proteocubosome structures are built up by patterned assemblies of nanocubosomes, which comprise 3D nanoporous fracture surfaces throughout. Complex cubosomic architectures, involving arrays of nanodroplets (larger than 20 nm) inside the proteocubosome particles, are established at high resolution. The soft-matter hierarchical nanocompartment formations display internal aqueous pores belonging to the D-type lipid cubic lattice nanochannel system that is proven by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The reported nanostructured fluid may give rise to novel applications in nanofluidic biomimetic devices, porous protein drug delivery vehicles, nanoscale enzymatic bioreactors, and protein-encapsulating fluid nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Angelova
- CEP, UMR 8612, University of Paris XI, 5 Rue J.B. Clément, F-92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
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Abstract
Metabolism and replication are generally considered essential features of biological life. Workers in the field of the origin of life are mostly split into two groups, depending on which of these two functions is postulated to have occurred first. Because of difficulties encountered by the replication-first (or genetics-first) approach, some workers have postulated that a highly developed metabolism must have originated before replication and the formation of a genetic apparatus. However, as supporters of a replication-first approach have pointed out, and as is discussed in this article, the alternative metabolism-first approach has fundamental problems that have not been sufficiently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Al Anet
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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