Dr. Anna Wang (Szostak Lab) - "Surprising capabilities of simple model protocell membranes"

Abstract:

Cells (in life as we know it) are delineated by cell membranes. However, without the protein machinery that drives growth, division, and the transport of nutrients, such membranes are more or less inert. How then did the most primitive membranes perform these essential functions? I will discuss the role of membranes and compartmentalisation for living entities, and show recent progress on the capabilities of simple model primitive membrane systems.