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Metabolism appears in lab without cells

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very interesting, makes me curious of what considerations or use protocells were given in this experiement, since they were able to regulate internal chemistry by themselves and divide, without the use of RNA, according to my current understanding(sorry if i am incorrect).

Maybe this is an operation that first arose in protocells and allowed for better survival long enough to obtain RNA? My cellular biology is a bit shady atm lol so i am just kind of spit balling :p
 
I found it interesting that the processes were happening like chemical reactions, and that they theorize later on membranes formed AROUND the processes, thereby containing them. Crazy weird! Not sure when RNA comes into the picture. Then again, blueprints have to be drawn originally. Can't seem to put into words what I'm thinking. Something along the lines of: this has to be the precursor to RNA. Copier machines wouldn't have been invented without the need to copy documents. RNA formed after the needs to record and then duplicate cell structure. Hmmmm
 
Coincidentally I was reading this article a few weeks ago, which is right up this alley.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bies.201400014/abstract
The mark of metabolism: Another nail in the coffin of nucleic-acids-first in origin of life?
Now this article essay below is what the author above refers to early in his paper. I haven't read this yet, but am starting now. It is much more in depth than the prior review.
From the selfish gene to selfish metabolism: Revisiting the central dogma

Both articles can be viewed as PDFs after following the links. Enjoy!
 
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