The steps of formation of the first cell
- Prebiotic Earth: Early Earth had a reducing atmosphere with gases like methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapour.
- Formation of Organic Molecules: Simple organic molecules like amino acids and nucleotides formed from inorganic compounds through natural processes.
- Polymerization: Organic molecules combine to form more complex macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
- Protocells: Macromolecules self-assembled into protocells with semi-permeable membranes.
- Metabolism and Reproduction: Protocells developed basic metabolic processes and the ability to replicate.
- Natural Selection: Protocells with advantageous traits had a selective advantage and evolved over time.
- Emergence of First Cell: Eventually, protocells evolved into the first primitive cells with fully functional cellular structures.