Some have an electrical potential across their surfaces, like cells Can absorb materials from their surroundings, selective permeability Lots of little steps to cells, but first cells were procaryotic. Stromalites are rocklike columns of layers of cells, usually cyanobacteria. Sediments settle around the cells and mineralize. New cells grow on top. Some are several billion years old.
Molecular reproduction is critical.
RNA probably formed first and was self-replication. RNA in ribozymes is catalytic, probably catalyzed own replication. RNA can fold around to hold amino acids close together . Amino acids could combine to form proteins. DNA holds information RNA involved in protein synthesis Proteins take over most catalyst roles.