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Order and Complexity in the RNA World
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, CENIDE, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 29, 2023
Summary
The RNA world hypothesis suggests self-replicating RNA strands drove early life. Order and complexity of RNA sequences are key to molecular evolution, influencing system entropy.
Area of Science:
- Origin of Life Studies
- Molecular Evolution
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The RNA world hypothesis is a leading model for early life's origins.
- RNA molecule functionality is critically dependent on sequence order and length (complexity).
- Understanding the evolution of RNA order and complexity is vital for prebiotic chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and quantify 'order' and 'complexity' in RNA sequences within an RNA world model.
- To identify mechanisms driving the development of RNA order and complexity.
- To provide a thermodynamic perspective on molecular evolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a general RNA world scenario with free monomer units.
- Defined sequential order using principles of statistical thermodynamics.
- Determined complexity via the size of a minimal descriptive algorithm.
Main Results:
- An order/complexity diagram illustrates molecular evolution progress with a diagonal line.
- Random polymerization and selection follow specific pathways towards increased functionality.
- Defined RNA polymer sequences impact the overall system's entropy.
Conclusions:
- Order and complexity are quantifiable parameters crucial for RNA-based molecular evolution.
- The model provides a thermodynamic framework for understanding the emergence of functional RNA.
- This research offers insights into the fundamental processes driving the origin of life.
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