Low-Digit and High-Digit Polymers in the Origin of Life

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Origin of Life Research
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Life utilizes two primary linear biopolymers: nucleic acids and proteins.
• Nucleic acids offer limited monomeric diversity, while proteins exhibit high compositional diversity and catalytic potential.
• The high diversity of proteins poses challenges for error-free information transfer from templates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the significance of both nucleic acids and proteins in the emergence of cellular life.
• To explore the role of these biopolymers in Earth's life origin, extraterrestrial life, and synthetic biology.
• To analyze the necessity of early translation in the evolution of life.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of biopolymer structures and functions.
• Theoretical discussion on information transfer and catalysis.
• Examination of Eigen's paradox in the context of life's origins.

Main Results:

• Proteins can catalyze their own reproduction and the faithful replication of nucleic acids.
• The interplay between proteins and nucleic acids resolves Eigen's paradox.
• The existence of both biopolymers is crucial for the emergence of cellular life.

Conclusions:

• The interdependence of nucleic acids and proteins is fundamental to cellular life.
• Early emergence of translation is a necessary consequence of this interdependence.
• This framework applies to the origin of life on Earth, other planets, and in laboratory settings.