A stepwise emergence of evolution in the RNA world

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life Research
• Molecular Evolution
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Understanding the transition from non-living matter to self-replicating systems is a central challenge in origin of life research.
• Existing theories often focus on specific mechanisms, but a comprehensive, stepwise scenario is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a testable, 3-stage model for the emergence of RNA replication and early evolution.
• To integrate autocatalysis, template-based replication, and molecular self-organization into a cohesive pathway.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling based on experimental evidence and replicator dynamics.
• Analysis of molecular interactions, substrate specificity, and catalytic efficiency.
• Consideration of factors like diffusion, compartmentalization, and structural complexity.

Main Results:

• Stage 1: Autocatalysis with oligomer substrates and structural inheritance.
• Stage 2: Coexistence of autocatalysis and template-based ligation, preventing error catastrophe.
• Stage 3: Dominance of template-based replication with enhanced catalysis and compartmentalization, leading to cellularization and complex evolution.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scenario provides a gradual pathway for the emergence of evolution from simple molecular systems.
• Interdependent evolution of structural complexity, catalytic efficiency, and cellularization bootstraps life.
• This model offers testable predictions for experimental investigation into the origin of life.