Experimental and numerical modeling of liposome congregation in meteorite craters of Early Earth

TL;DR

This study combines experimental and numerical methods to show that liposomes could congregate in meteorite craters on Early Earth, facilitating their survival, growth, and evolution under specific geological conditions.

Contribution

It provides new evidence supporting liposome congregation in meteorite craters, highlighting the role of seismic disturbances in early Earth conditions.

Findings

Liposomes can survive in meteorite craters under certain conditions.

Seismic activity promotes liposome congregation and fusion.

Liposome congregation aids in their survival and potential evolution.

Abstract

This paper provides experimental and numerical evidence supporting the occurrence of liposome congregation at the floors of meteor craters on Early Earth. This work builds on our earlier research, which demonstrated that liposomes submerged in a shallow Archean pond are protected from harmful UV radiation. This protection allows them to survive long enough for autocatalytic replication of amphiphiles and for mutation and selection of assemblies that maximize membrane stability. For liposomes to fuse, grow, exchange contents and membranes, and divide, they need to establish a population, which means forming a dense conglomerate that enables close physical contact. The study demonstrates that such a congregation is feasible in bowl-shaped meteor craters on Early Earth, especially under periodic seismic disturbances.