Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4359120 | Research in Microbiology | 2009 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
We describe possible pathways for separating amphiphilic molecules from organic material on the early earth to form membrane-bound structures required for the start of cellular life. We review properties of the first membranes and their function as permeability barriers. Finally, we discuss the emergence of protein-mediated ion transport across membranes, which facilitated many other cellular functions.
Keywords
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Authors
Andrew Pohorille, David Deamer,