Complex molecules such as the one pictured here came together to form coacervates
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Corel Photography

Coacervates

In the warm early ocean, large molecules came together into a form called *coacervates*. Molecules such as these will form coacervates in the same way that beads of vinegar in oil come together.

These beads, or coacervates have both an inside and outside. The early ocean provided the perfect home for coacervates because it was big and calm.

Scientists wonder if coacervates were life-like or not. Remember that life must be able to eat and reproduce. Scientist do think that the first life on Earth was probably much like coacervates.

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