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Spontaneous Emergence of Transient Chirality in Closed, Reversible Frank-like Deterministic Models.
Thomas Buhse1, Jean-Claude Micheau2
1Centro de Investigaciones Químicas - IICBA, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, 62209, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. buhse@uaem.mx.
Summary
This study explores abiotic origins of biomolecular homochirality using reversible kinetic models. Spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking can generate transient chirality, crucial for prebiotic chemistry, especially with weaker autocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Origin of Life Research
- Theoretical Chemistry
Background:
- The origin of biomolecular homochirality remains a key question in understanding life's beginnings.
- Abiotic theories explore non-biological pathways to explain the prevalence of specific enantiomers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate abiotic theories for the origin of biomolecular homochirality.
- To analyze reversible kinetic models (Frank-like models) with enantioselective autocatalysis and mutual inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two reversible kinetic models differing in autocatalytic steps (monomer vs. dimer formation).
- Simulation of systems starting from achiral conditions to observe spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking (SMSB).
- Examination of entropy production rates and autocatalytic dominance during different phases.
Main Results:
- Fully reversible models in closed systems exhibit SMSB, leading to transient chiral states from achiral beginnings.
- Entropy production rate peaks at SMSB, dominated by autocatalysis with retention.
- Weaker autocatalysis leads to prolonged chiral excursions, potentially initiating asymmetric reaction cascades.
Conclusions:
- Frank-like models demonstrate plausible abiotic pathways for generating transient chirality.
- SMSB is sensitive to autocatalytic rates; moderate rates are conducive to sustained chiral states relevant to prebiotic chemistry.
Keywords:
Detailed balanceEnantiomeric chiral inhibitionEnantioselective autocatalysisRate of entropy productionSoai reactionTemporary chiral excursionMore Related Videos
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