Collective adaptability in a replication network of minimal nucleobase sequences

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Origin of Life Research
• Systems Chemistry

Background:

• Understanding the origins of life requires exploring how replication networks evolve.
• Simple molecular systems are crucial for modeling early life processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolutionary potential of a minimal replication network.
• To model the interplay of synergistic dynamics and competition between replicators.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a replication network using cysteine and dinucleobases (adenine, thymine).
• Supramolecular and kinetic analyses of self- and mutual interactions.
• Simulation of network dynamics in an open reactor using experimental kinetic data.

Main Results:

• Self- and mutual interactions drive assembly and replication pathways.
• Sequence complementarity enhances replication rates, suggesting selection bias.
• Simulations reveal bistability and selective amplification based on initial composition.
• Disulfide exchange reactions connect catalytic pathways, enabling collective adaptability.

Conclusions:

• The studied network configuration promotes collective adaptability to feedstock availability.
• Disulfide exchange reactions are key connectors in auto- and cross-catalytic pathways.
• This model provides insights into the emergence of evolutionary processes from simple chemical systems.