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Defining Substrate Specificities for Lipase and Phospholipase Candidates
Published on: November 23, 2016
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Selection between Competing Self-Reproducing Lipids: Succession and Dynamic Activation
Michael G Howlett1, Robert J H Scanes1, Stephen P Fletcher1
1Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom.
JACS Au
|October 4, 2021
Summary
Two selection modes drive chemical evolution in self-reproducing species via thiol-disulfide exchange. Steric factors and dynamic metathesis create distinct succession patterns, highlighting complexity
Area of Science:
- Origins of Life Research
- Chemical Evolution
- Systems Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding molecular selection mechanisms is crucial for creating lifelike systems.
- Chemical evolution models are fundamental to origins of life research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular selection mechanisms in self-reproducing chemical systems.
- To identify and characterize different modes of selection driving chemical evolution.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evolution of self-reproducing species through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions.
- Analysis of competition dynamics between different thiol and disulfide precursors.
- Characterization of emergent selection mechanisms, including dynamic activating metathesis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated two distinct selection modes: one based on steric factors of thiol precursors, leading to clear succession patterns.
- Discovered an emergent selection mechanism, dynamic activating metathesis, when using competing disulfide precursors.
- Showed that increased compositional complexity can create alternative reaction pathways, conferring competitive advantages to certain species.
Conclusions:
- Chemical systems exhibit diverse selection modes that can be intrinsic or emergent.
- Dynamic activating metathesis represents a novel selection mechanism in chemical evolution.
- Compositional complexity plays a significant role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of self-reproducing chemical species.
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