Putative roles of terpenoids in primitive membranes

Abstract

For the continuation and evolution of life, primitive membranes formed from prebiotically available components must have fulfilled certain essential requirements. Candidate amphiphiles, such as straight-chain fatty acids, that can self-assemble into cell-like structures have been shown to be capable of performing many life-like functions. However, obstacles that preclude a cohesive description of the evolution of modern-day cells from the origins of primitive membranes remain. Terpenoids are uniquely placed in terms of their derivation and chemical motifs to play an important role in primitive membranes, as they do in extant cells. Here, we discuss the principles behind primitive membrane formation and offer a biophysics perspective regarding the potential role of terpenoids in membrane function. By doing so, we identify opportunities in the realm of protocell research.