Figure 7.

Primitive protocell enclosing assemblages of peptide and RNA molecules. (A) Encapsulated polymers such as peptides and RNA and prebiotic soup to create primitive cytoplasm. (B) Some peptides were inserted into the lipid bilayer to enhance permeability in the protocell. The peptides would produce ion-conducting channels through the bilayers that allow phosphate, thioester, ATP, and other nutrients such as amino acids to enter the cell. Molecular crowding inside primitive cytoplasm would encourage symbiotic relations between peptides and RNAs.