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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Visualizing Single-molecule DNA Replication with Fluorescence Microscopy

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Published on: October 9, 2009

Parasitic Behavior of Self-Replicating Molecules.

Meniz Altay¹, Yigit Altay¹, Sijbren Otto¹

¹Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)

|June 2, 2018

Summary

In a system with two self-replicating molecules, one evolved to parasitize the other. This demonstrates how complex behaviors like parasitism can emerge from simple self-replicating systems.

Keywords:

dynamic combinatorial libraries parasites self-assembly self-replication systems chemistry

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Area of Science:

Origin of life studies
Systems chemistry
Evolutionary dynamics

Background:

Self-replication is fundamental to life's origins and synthetic biology.
Research has primarily examined isolated self-replicating systems.
Interplay between multiple replicators is crucial for evolutionary scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the dynamics of systems with multiple self-replicators.
To explore the emergence of novel behaviors in such systems.
To understand the roots of lifelike behaviors in molecular systems.

Main Methods:

Utilized a system of self-replicators based on two distinct building blocks (1 and 2).
Observed the formation of replicators from building block 2 via cross-catalysis.
Analyzed the interactions and consumption patterns between the replicators.

Main Results:

Replicators derived from building block 2 emerged through cross-catalysis by replicators from building block 1.
The newly formed replicators (from 2) exhibited parasitic behavior.
These parasitic replicators consumed the original replicators (from 1) that facilitated their formation.

Conclusions:

Parasitic and predatory behaviors, typically associated with living systems, can emerge in simple self-replicating molecular systems.
The study provides insights into the early stages of evolution and the development of complex interactions.
Demonstrates that lifelike behaviors can arise from the interplay of multiple, subtly different self-replicating entities.