The origin of genetic and metabolic systems: Evolutionary structuralinsights

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life Studies
• Molecular Evolution
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The origin of DNA and genetic systems is linked to enzymes like reverse transcriptase, DNA polymerase, and integrase.
• Understanding the evolution of these enzymes is crucial for explaining the emergence of the genetic system.
• The gene structure itself likely evolved from early RNA polymerases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel model, the stable complex evolution model, explaining enzyme and functional molecule evolution.
• To elucidate the coordinated and synchronized evolution of primitive genetic and metabolic systems.
• To explore the concept of inherent selective power in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of the stable complex evolution model based on polymer structures.
• Analysis of enzyme evolution through the formation of stable complexes with substrates.
• Examination of complementary interactions and auto-reactivity in functional molecules.
• Consideration of metabolic reactions as adaptive evolution driven by molecular deficiencies.

Main Results:

• Enzymes evolved functions by forming stable complexes with specific substrates.
• Coordinated evolution of genetic and metabolic systems is proposed.
• Functional molecules exhibit binding affinity and specific recognition via complementary interactions, leading to auto-reactivity.
• Thermodynamically favorable processes drive functional duplication and self-organization.

Conclusions:

• Biological systems may possess an inherent tendency towards functional stability or an inherent selective power.
• This inherent selectivity can be unified with natural selection at the molecular level.
• The evolution of dormant bacteria potentially supports the hypothesis of inherent selectivity.