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Primitive molecular machine scenario for the origin of the three base codon composition
G Martínez-Mekler1, M Aldana, F Cázarez-Bush
1Laboratorio de Cuernavaca, Instituto de Física, UNAM, Morelos, México.
Summary
Primitive molecular machines in space utilize particle interactions in channels to achieve polymerization and movement. This interaction
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology and Molecular Evolution
- Theoretical Biophysics
Background:
- Primordial synthesis machines are hypothetical entities.
- Understanding early molecular self-assembly is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model primitive molecular machines in outer space.
- To investigate the link between potential structure and polymer locomotion.
Main Methods:
- Simulating quasi one-dimensional channels with polymers and fixed particles.
- Analyzing particle/polymer interaction potentials.
- Developing a model for machine operation.
Main Results:
- Identified spatial regularities in interaction potentials with a characteristic distance of three.
- Demonstrated conversion of potential structure into directed polymer movement.
- Observed polymer translocation characterized by shifts with periodic long intervals.
Conclusions:
- The observed locomotion regularities are generic.
- This generic feature may explain the origin of three-base codon composition in molecular biology.