The cell generates electricity from hydroxide ions

There is one chemical reaction that releases electricity from water, 4 OH- → 2 H2O + O2 + 4 e-. Based on the benefit of being able to use water, that makes up 99% of all molecules in a cell, as fuel for an “engine” of life, the machinery of the cell is likely organized around extracting hydroxide ions as fuel for that reaction. Positive selection for turning water into fuel would mean that the basic building blocks of the cell are components of a “water refinery” machinery that formed the basis of life