Anomalous percolation features in molecular evolution

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life Studies
• Chemical Kinetics
• Statistical Physics

Background:

• Self-replication is fundamental to all life, requiring autocatalysis for molecular origins.
• Previous models explored molecular evolution with competing ligation and autocatalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine a model of molecular evolution involving self-replicating molecules.
• To investigate the transition from small molecules to macromolecules via irreversible aggregation.
• To identify anomalous percolation phenomena within this model.

Main Methods:

• Revisiting a previously established model of molecular evolution.
• Analyzing the competition between spontaneous ligation and autocatalysis for molecular building blocks.
• Studying irreversible aggregation and its impact on molecular size distribution.

Main Results:

• Observed an array of anomalous percolation features.
• Identified a transition from small molecules to macromolecules driven by aggregation.
• Found phenomena consistent with predictions for specific percolation processes.

Conclusions:

• The model exhibits complex percolation behavior during molecular evolution.
• Anomalous percolation features emerge from the interplay of aggregation and self-replication.
• This work contributes to understanding the physical basis of molecular self-organization.