Figure 1–3. Coacervate drops: (a, b) — general view under light microscope; (c) — a single coacervate drop; (d) — coacervate drops under a scanning electron microscope (After Evreinova, 1966; Evreinova et al., 1975).
It is necessary to note that no matter how attractive are the studies on
coacervate drops because of their opportunities for express results about
the origin and organization of the living systems, they bear in themselves a
serious defect — the initial components used are of biogenic origin, they
are synthesized by living organisms with naturally built-in secondary and
tertiary structures. For the purpose of eliminating this shortcoming, attempts
for the in vitro synthesis of biopolymers are made, i.e. without the
participation of any living systems.
According to Oparin (1966) coacervate drops are very comfortable
models for the reproduction of the possible paths in laboratory conditions
which the initial formation of both the structures and metabolic patterns
have followed under the action of the primitive systems underlying the
origination of life. This type of systems actively interacting with the
environment, displaying dynamic stability and the capacity not only to be
preserved but also to grow in the conditions of the “primary bouillon” were
called by him protobionts.