From self-replication to replicator systems en route to de novo life

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life Studies
• Systems Chemistry
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• The transition from non-living chemistry to living biology is a fundamental scientific challenge.
• Life requires systems capable of replication, metabolism, and compartmentalization, maintained out of equilibrium.
• Self-replicating molecules are a key focus for understanding early life processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress in creating self-replicating molecular systems.
• To analyze the integration of metabolic and compartmental features into replicators.
• To address Eigen's paradox concerning the evolution of complex replication.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of experimental self-replicator systems.
• Review of theoretical models for replicator communities.
• Examination of collective metabolism and transient compartmentalization.

Main Results:

• Experimental self-replicators show progress towards Darwinian evolution.
• Models solving Eigen's paradox often involve collective metabolism and compartmentalization.
• These features suggest evolution drives the integration of metabolism and compartmentalization.

Conclusions:

• The integration of metabolism and compartmentalization is crucial for the origin of life.
• Evolutionary dynamics appear to drive the development of these life characteristics.
• Further theoretical and experimental work is needed to address remaining challenges.