Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
04:52
Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
1.0K
Plausible pathway for a host-parasite molecular replication network to increase its complexity through Darwinian
Rikuto Kamiura1, Ryo Mizuuchi2,3, Norikazu Ichihashi1,3,4
1Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Plos Computational Biology
|December 1, 2022
Summary
Primitive self-replicating molecules can evolve complex networks. Coevolution with parasites drives this complexity, leading to interdependent replication and the spontaneous emergence of multi-replicator systems from single replicators.
Area of Science:
- Origin of life studies
- Systems chemistry
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- The development of complexity in early self-replicating molecules is crucial for understanding the origin of life.
- Theoretical models suggest parasitic replicators can drive network complexity through coevolution.
- Previous work proposed a specific complexification pathway involving parasitic and resistant host replicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of host-parasite replicator complexification using biologically relevant molecules.
- To experimentally model and theoretically analyze the evolution of multi-replicator networks.
- To validate proposed complexification pathways with experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an experimental host-parasite RNA replication system.
- Employed computer simulations to analyze replication network parameters.
- Developed a theoretical model based on the experimental RNA system.
Main Results:
- Computer simulations identified a plausible complexification pathway: host replicator -> parasitic replicator -> resistant host replicator.
- Experimental evolution demonstrated this pathway occurring spontaneously in RNA replication systems.
- Confirmed Takeuchi and Hogeweg's proposed complexification model through empirical evidence.
Conclusions:
- Host-parasite coevolution experimentally drives the spontaneous complexification of replicator networks.
- This provides a plausible mechanism for the emergence of molecular complexity at the origin of life.
- The study offers experimental validation for theoretical models of early life evolution.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
32.7K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
32.7K
03:21Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
8.1K
While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
8.1K
02:37Gene Duplication and Divergence
6.2K
The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are...
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are...
6.2K
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
101
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
101
03:01The Replisome
34.5K
DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...
34.5K
02:31Replication in Eukaryotes
171.2K
Overview
171.2K