How do scientists think protobionts formed?
1 Answer
Scientists think that protobionts formed by accidental natural causes.
Explanation:
There is no scientific consensus as to how precursers to the first living cells could have occurred.
One theory is that the first building blocks to cells were soap bubble like protein membranes. These membrane like protein shells have been observed to form. The protein shell would provide protection inside for the development of more complex molecules.
The problem is a system of reproduction or replication of the protein shell. The proteins would undergo natural degeneration, and the proto cell would dissolve unless there was a method of replicating the protein shell.
The problem with development of more complex molecules is also dependent on a system of reproduction. Without the a system of reproduction natural selection has nothing to select from. The more complex molecule has no selective advantage without natural selection.
A second theory is the RNA first hypothesis. The RNA could serve as both a protein and a protein synthesizer. The research indicates that the ability of RNA to function as a protein is severely limited. Without the protein shell the entropy of the surrounding environment would destroy the RNA. Also the question of how an RNA molecule with useful information could be achieved by random chance is unanswered.
There are several ideas of how the first protobionts could have been formed. None of the ideas have widespread support. This is because all of the ideas have serious unanswered questions.
