Scientists model new life form based on methane

A group of scientists has developed a new cell structure based on computer models that can survive in an environment of methane. The experiments are intended to see if such a life form could exist on Titan, a moon of Saturn.

The alternative life form was developed by scientists at Cornell University. Based on computer models, cell structures were developed that can form themselves and survive in an environment of methane and a temperature of -180 degrees Celsius. The study was conducted to find out if life could form on Titan, a moon of Saturn that is notable primarily for its vast seas of liquid methane.

According to the scientists, cell structures can be formed on Titan with the building blocks nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen. Membranes can be formed with this; membranes are necessary for a cell to seal off internal compartments from the outside world. The self-assembly of cellular building blocks is one of the first steps towards the origin of life and also part of the abiogenesis theory, which explains the origin of life from ‘dead’ matter.

The fact that the Cornell University modeled life form can form itself in computer models and is stable does not mean that such cells actually exist. The research does offer leads for further searches for extraterrestrial life. Titan has long been investigated by astronomers and astrobiologists for the possible presence of life.

Cells of plants and animals on Earth are built to function in an aqueous environment. Cell membranes are built with a double layer of lipids that are usually impermeable to water. Special pores allow water to pass through, while other channels selectively allow necessary substances to enter and exit. The search for extraterrestrial life usually focuses on environments with liquid water, but scientists are also working on models for life forms that are not based on water.