/sci/ - Science & Math

>>9140208
Ima gonna give it one last shot

The very primitive proto-cell is barely more than a blob of chemicals. There really isn’t very much to it. Hardly recognizable as being alive. Except that it can reproduce via a simple split mechanism. Once it reaches a certain critical size it splits in two. Not because it wants to or because it has evolved to do so, but simply because above this threshold size it becomes unstable and falls apart in two pieces.
The absorption of “nutrients” is also very primitive. Whenever our cell comes into contact with specific chemicals they are absorbed. Again, not because it wants to or because it has evolved to do so, but simply by the nature of chemicals reacting.

We now have two very primitive systems in place. Metabolism and reproduction. Each no more than the most basic and (literally) elemental chemical properties. But each now subject evolutionary processes. Any small (random) change in our proto cell will either improve or worsen the process.

Let’s say that on the outer edge of our cell a small change in the structure improves the absorption of the “nutrients” in a significant manner. Such that the cell reaches its critical size faster. Therefor reproducing faster. And before long this new feature will have spread through the population.

So, just like with eyes, there is no “it can only work as a complete system” and “it is useless unless it is in its modern complete form”. It’s gradual steps all the way.

>pic unrelated