Question

Many potential scenarios for the evolution of the first cell have been put forward. However, examine the origin of life from the first membrane. A membrane is an initial boundary between what is outside, and what is inside. How is this critical to life? How does the simple membrane relate to all the characteristics of life? Can it be argued that this one chemical arrangement is the cornerstone of all life as we know it?

Answer 1

It is very true that a membrane is just a separation or a division between what is outside and what is inside and this is what determines life. Membrane is present in every living orgamism( excluding exceptions) which very well proves its importance for existence of life. Membrane in plants is called as the cell membrane which is semi permeable i.e., it allows only selective materials to pass through. This membrane separates the inner belongings of the plant cells that helps it work and remain alive and separate it from the outside environment. Similarly in animals the membrane is known as plasma membrane and it is also semi permeable and inhibits the growth of unwanted materials inside the cell, separating the outside and inside environment from coming in contact. Same is with microorganisms and every living organism.

This single membrane relates to all characteristics of life because primarily we are all born from a single cell and even that cell owned a covering which separated it from the then external environment and along with many changes in this course of time, the membrane has divided into many complex parts and varies from organism to organism but still thr membrane continues which makes it characterstic of life.

Yes, it can be very well argued that this membrane is the cornerstone of life form on earth because it this membrane itself which has held life form from billions of years and is continuing to do so and is very successful in keeping the cell organelles away from the outside environment. Since each and every organism on this planet has evolved from a single cell it is arguable that this membrane plays a very important role in the existence of life till date.