To synthesize de novo life, we require compartments that can undergo Darwinian evolution. Darwinian evolution is impossible without an analog to a genotype, i.e., information-containing molecules that affect the traits of the compartments and are passed on between generations. The genotype and the compartments must be replicated to ensure that daughter compartments receive these information-containing molecules without dilution over generations. Mutations in the replication process are also needed to increase the genotype space. Finally, selection pressures can select fitter mutants over less fit ones.