15. Hydrogel Theory
The Hydrogel Theory proposes that life originated within hydrogel environments, where networks of spontaneously formed hydrogels (water-rich gels) confined and concentrated organic molecules, facilitating early chemical reactions. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) In these gel-like settings, biomolecules could have been protected from external degradation, allowing complex biochemical processes to occur. (eurekalert.org) This confinement may have provided a stable environment conducive to the emergence of the first living cells. (gizmodo.com)