zygions

Zygions are a hypothetical concept within theoretical biology, referring to structures or entities that exhibit a form of rudimentary life or pre-life characteristics. The term is not widely established in mainstream scientific literature and is more often found in speculative discussions about the origins of life or the boundaries of biological definition. Zygions are imagined as being far simpler than even the most basic known microorganisms, potentially lacking genetic material as we understand it or exhibiting self-replication through non-biological chemical processes. The concept often arises when considering abiogenesis, the process by which life arises from non-living matter. Researchers exploring zygions might be investigating potential intermediate stages between complex organic molecules and the first true cells. The focus is on identifying the minimal set of properties that could be considered "alive" or on the cusp of life. It is important to note that zygions remain purely theoretical and there is no direct observational evidence for their existence. The study of zygions, if it were to become a formal field, would likely involve extensive theoretical modeling and experimental efforts to synthesize or identify such transitional entities.