Prothorms
Prothorms are a hypothetical concept in theoretical biology and astrobiology, referring to a potential precursor stage in the development of life. The term is a portmanteau of "progenitor" and "organism." Prothorms are envisioned as entities that existed before cellular life as we know it, lacking the complex structures and genetic machinery of modern cells. They are thought to have been self-replicating molecular aggregates capable of rudimentary metabolism and evolution.
These hypothetical structures are theorized to have arisen in the prebiotic environment of early Earth, perhaps
The concept of prothorms is important for understanding the origin of life, as it bridges the gap