Researchers have formulated a theory that sheds light on the swift self-assembly of molecules into structures resembling life, questioning conventional theories about the inception of life. The study uncovers that the quantity of molecule species involved in metabolic pathways and the intricate interconnection of effects are vital in shaping these self-assembled constructs.
This new approach facilitates an understanding of how molecules form structures that emulate living organisms.
A potential explanation for life’s emergence could be the molecules interacting and assembling themselves into forms akin to cellular droplets. These particular molecular combinations might be the basis for the first self-replicating metabolic cycles, a characteristic that is universally found in biological systems and is the same across all living beings. According to this view, the initial biomolecules would have to congregate through gradual and mostly ineffective methods.
The slow nature of this cluster creation is inconsistent with the rapid emergence of life. Scientists at the department of Living Matter Physics from MPI-DS have now presented a different model that rationalizes this rapid clustering and consequently the speedy commencement of chemical reactions necessary for life formation.
“In our consideration, we looked at various molecules in a basic metabolic cycle, where each type creates a chemical that’s used by the next one,” states Vincent Ouazan-Reboul, the lead author of the research.
He adds, “The sole components in the model are the molecules’ catalytic function, their capacity to adhere to chemical concentration gradients they produce and consume, and knowledge about the sequence of molecules within the cycle.”
The fresh model explains how catalysts taking part in metabolic cycles self-organize. Clusters are formed by different catalyst species (symbolized by different colors) that can even pursue each other. Credit: MPI-DS / LMP
As a result, the model revealed the creation of catalytic clusters comprising assorted molecular kinds, with cluster growth occurring at an exponential rate. Therefore, molecules can combine extremely quickly and in substantial quantities into ever-changing structures.
Ramin Golestanian, director at MPI-DS, sums up, “Furthermore, the variety of molecule species participating in the metabolic cycle is critical in determining the structure of the clusters formed. Our model gives rise to a wide array of intricate self-organization scenarios and offers specific predictions about functional benefits for an odd or even number of engaged species. It’s noteworthy that non-reciprocal interactions necessary for our newly introduced scenario are universally found in all metabolic cycles.”
In a related study, the authors discovered that self-attraction isn’t necessary for clustering within a minor metabolic network. Instead, network dynamics may induce even self-repelling catalysts to come together. Through this, the scientists show novel circumstances where complicated interactions can lead to self-organized formations.
On the whole, the discoveries of both researches contribute an additional method to the understanding of how intricate life initially evolved from rudimentary molecules and, more broadly, reveal the ways catalysts involved in metabolic systems can create structures.
Reference: “Self-organization of primitive metabolic cycles due to non-reciprocal interactions” by Vincent Ouazan-Reboul, Jaime Agudo-Canalejo, and Ramin Golestanian, 26 July 2023, Nature Communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40241-w
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about self-organization
What is the new model proposed by the scientists?
The new model explains how molecules can quickly self-organize into life-like structures, challenging traditional views on the origin of life. It considers the catalytic activity of the molecules, their ability to follow concentration gradients, and the order of molecules in a metabolic cycle. It leads to the formation of catalytic clusters with growth happening exponentially fast.
How does this new model challenge traditional views on the origin of life?
Traditional views often involve slow and overall inefficient processes of molecule clustering to form life-like structures. The new model challenges this by providing an alternative explanation that allows for rapid cluster formation and fast onset of the necessary chemical reactions to form life.
What does the model say about the role of different molecule species in a metabolic cycle?
The model reveals that both the number of molecule species involved in a metabolic cycle and the complex network effects are key in the formation of self-organized structures. It also makes specific predictions about functional advantages arising for an odd or even number of participating species.
Who were the main contributors to this study?
The study was carried out by scientists from the department of Living Matter Physics from MPI-DS, including Vincent Ouazan-Reboul, the first author, and Ramin Golestanian, the director at MPI-DS.
Where was the research published?
The research was published in Nature Communications on 26 July 2023. The DOI for the article is 10.1038/s41467-023-40241-w.
What implications does the model have for understanding life’s complexity?
The model adds another mechanism to the theory of how complex life once emerged from simple molecules, and more generally, uncovers how catalysts involved in metabolic networks can form structures. It also illustrates new conditions in which complex interactions can create self-organized structures, extending the understanding of life’s complexity.
