Cellmian

Cellmian is a hypothetical biological entity proposed in the context of the "replicators" theory, which suggests that life on Earth may have originated from self-replicating molecules. The term "cellmian" was coined by the British chemist and biologist John C. Kendrew in 1966 to describe a hypothetical intermediate stage between simple organic molecules and the first living cells.

The replicators theory posits that life emerged from a "soup" of organic molecules, which through a process of natural selection, evolved into more complex structures. Cellmian is envisioned as a molecule or a small assembly of molecules that could both replicate and catalyze chemical reactions, thereby exhibiting some of the properties of life. This intermediate stage is thought to have bridged the gap between non-living chemistry and the first living organisms.

Key characteristics of cellmian as envisioned by Kendrew include:

1. Self-replication: The ability to produce copies of itself, a fundamental property of life.

2. Catalysis: The ability to speed up chemical reactions, which is essential for the synthesis of more complex molecules.

3. Heredity: The ability to pass on traits to its replicas, allowing for evolution and adaptation.

Cellmian is not a real biological entity but a theoretical construct used to explore the origins of life. It serves as a thought experiment to understand the transition from non-living chemistry to living organisms. The concept of cellmian highlights the importance of self-replication and catalysis in the emergence of life and underscores the potential for natural selection to drive the evolution of complex systems from simple beginnings.