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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
08:01
Sulfate Separation by Selective Crystallization with a Bis-iminoguanidinium Ligand
Published on: September 8, 2016
8.8K
Theory for sequence selection via phase separation and oligomerization
Ivar S Haugerud1, Giacomo Bartolucci1,2, Dieter Braun3
1Faculty of Mathematics, Institute of Physics, Natural Sciences, and Engineering, University of Augsburg, Augsburg 86159, Germany.
Summary
Condensed phases can drive the selection of specific DNA sequences through phase separation, influencing the origin of life. This process enriches functional sequences by creating nonequilibrium selection pressures.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Origin of Life Studies
Background:
- Non-equilibrium selection pressures are theorized to form functional oligonucleotides.
- Phase separation is known to direct chemical processes, but its role in sequence selection is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if condensed phases, specifically through phase separation, can act as a mechanism for sequence selection.
- To understand how phase separation influences the formation and enrichment of specific oligonucleotide sequences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized non-equilibrium thermodynamics to model reversible oligomerization of monomers under conditions favoring phase separation.
- Analyzed sequence formation, phase separation dynamics, and fragmentation effects on sequence enrichment.
Main Results:
- Sequence formation can trigger phase separation, leading to enrichment of certain sequences and depletion of others.
- Phase separation creates a selection pressure under non-equilibrium conditions maintained by fragmentation.
- Fragmentation rate influences selection: slow fragmentation favors alternating sequences, while fast fragmentation favors longer repeating motifs.
Conclusions:
- Out-of-equilibrium condensed phases offer a selection mechanism for functional sequences.
- Phase separation in condensed phases is a potential hub for the evolution of life's molecular origins.
Keywords:
nonequilibrium thermodynamicsoligomerizationorigins of lifephase separationsequence selectionMore Related Videos
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