Primary partitioning principles of the cell: Cytoophidium assembly, phase separation and membrane enclosure

Abstract

In the 4.6 billion year history, the Earth we live on has nurtured a diverse range of life forms. The basic unit of life is the cell. Since the discovery of cells 360 years ago, scientists have gained a deep understanding of their structure, function, and heterogeneity. In order to understand the mechanisms and laws of cell structure, here I propose three primary partitioning principles of the cell, namely cytoophidium assembly, phase separation, and membrane enclosure. From the perspective of partitioning principles, I introduce these three principles separately and then compare them. Furthermore, I attempt to elucidate the primary partitioning principles from the perspectives of mathematics, physics, chemistry, evolution, and communications.