How did the first cells come about?

[Alex48674]

I understand how we get microspheres and coacervates, which aren't really living, but how do we get prom these to the first prokaryotes? I understand that once you have the prokaryotes they can coexist to form eukaryotes and so forth, but I can't seem to find out what that little step is that's missing. Thanks =]

 

[BoomBoom]

Well, that's somewhat of a mystery. What came 1st the chicken or the egg? :)

It is possible, perhaps, that microspheres and DNA(or RNA) developed independently and then eventually joined together in some sort of symbiotic relationship. Or perhaps DNA managed to form a cellular membrane on it's own? I don't think anyone has a definitive answer to that question...just various postulations.

In other words: who knows? hehe

A number of different theories are listed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_life"