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Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat

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Published on: September 20, 2016

Size selection and adaptive evolution in an artificial chemistry.

Michael W Lucht¹

¹School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Tasmania, Australia. mwlucht@postoffice.utas.edu.au

Artificial Life

|February 24, 2012

Summary

This study demonstrates artificial replicators surviving faster parasites by attaching enzymes. It also shows the evolution of beneficial enzymes, paving the way for creative evolution in artificial environments.

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Area of Science:

Artificial life
Evolutionary algorithms
Computational biology

Background:

Extracellular replicators face challenges from faster-replicating parasites.
Achieving open-ended evolution requires robust replicator systems.
Artificial environments like Squirm3 offer platforms for studying evolutionary dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate the survival of artificial replicators against parasites.
To observe the evolution of functionally useful enzymes.
To lay the groundwork for creative evolution in artificial systems.

Main Methods:

Developed a simple artificial chemistry with replicators producing quasi-universal enzymes.
Implemented a software model within the Squirm3 artificial environment.
Introduced selection pressure favoring longer molecular structures.

Main Results:

Replicators with 10 bases successfully prospered despite the presence of zero-base parasites.
Demonstrated the evolution and dominance of a replicator producing an adaptively useful enzyme.
Observed the significant role of neutral evolution in the process.

Conclusions:

Enzyme attachment to replicators is a viable strategy for survival against parasites.
Artificial selection can drive the evolution of beneficial molecular functions.
The study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes in artificial systems.