Dresden 2017 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 20: Posters - Physics of the Genesis of Life (Focus Session)

BP 20.19: Poster

Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 14:00–16:00, P1A

Bridging the RNA and lipid worlds — •James Saenz — B CUBE, Technical University Dresden, Arnoldstrasse 18, 01307 Dresden

How did the first cells arise? Primitive life would have relied on simple systems that could self-assemble from prebiotic molecules and segregate biomolecules through compartmentalization. It is clear that membranes can self-assemble to form compartments. But what selective advantage would membranes have provided to reaction networks of primitive biomolecules? Prebiotic lipid membranes may have been crucial for the emergence of early cells by providing a surface to concentrate and enhance the catalytic activity of primitive ribozymes. To this end, we are exploring how membrane-RNA interactions can lead to an RNA-lipid world on the path to life.