Chemically Driven Division\nof Protocells by Membrane\nBudding

Division is crucial for replicating biological compartments\nand,\nby extension, a fundamental aspect of life. Current studies highlight\nthe importance of simple vesicular structures in prebiotic conditions,\nyet the mechanisms behind their self-division remain poorly understood.\nRecent research suggests that environmental factors can induce phase\ntransitions in fatty acid-based protocells, leading to vesicle fission.\nHowever, using chemical energy to induce vesicle division, similar\nto the extant of life, has been less explored. This study investigates\na mechanism of vesicle division by membrane budding driven by chemical\nenergy without complex molecular machinery. We demonstrate that, in\nresponse to chemical fuel, simple fatty acid-based vesicles can bud\noff smaller daughter vesicles. The division mechanism is finely controlled\nby adjusting fuel concentration, offering valuable insights into primitive\ncellular dynamics. We showcase the robustness of self-division across\ndifferent fatty acids, retaining encapsulated materials during division\nand suggesting protocell-like behavior. These results underscore the\npotential for chemical energy to drive autonomous replication in protocell\nmodels, highlighting a plausible pathway for the emergence of life.\nFurthermore, this study contributes to the development of synthetic\ncells, enhancing our understanding of the minimal requirements for\ncellular life and providing a foundation for future research in synthetic\nbiology and the origins of life.