Polymer Gard: Computer Simulation of Covalent Bond Formation in Reproducing Molecular Assemblies

Details Polymer Gard: Computer Simulation of Covalent Bond Formation in Reproducing Molecular Assemblies Polymer Gard: Computer Simulation of Covalent Bond Formation in Reproducing Molecular Assemblies

Apr 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005oleb...35..111s&link_type=abstract

Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres, Volume 35, Issue 2, pp.111-133

Computer Science

2

Biopolymers, Catalytic Networks, Compositional Information, Dimers, Lipid World, Mutual Catalysis, Oligomers, Prebiotic Evolution, Replication, Stationary States

Scientific paper

The basic Graded Autocatalysis Replication Domain (GARD) model consists of a repertoire of small molecules, typically amphiphiles, which join and leave a non-covalent micelle-like assembly. Its replication behavior is due to occasional fission, followed by a homeostatic growth process governed by the assembly’ s composition. Limitations of the basic GARD model are its small finite molecular repertoire and the lack of a clear path from a ‘monomer world’ towards polymer-based living entities.We have now devised an extension of the model (polymer GARD or P-GARD), where a monomer-based GARD serves as a ‘scaffold’ for oligomer formation, as a result of internal chemical rules. We tested this concept with computer simulations of a simple case of monovalent monomers, whereby more complex molecules (dimers) are formed internally, in a manner resembling biosynthetic metabolism. We have observed events of dimer ‘take-over’ the formation of compositionally stable, replication-prone quasi stationary states (composomes) that have appreciable dimer content. The appearance of novel metabolism-like networks obeys a time-dependent power law, reminiscent of evolution under punctuated equilibrium. A simulation under constant population conditions shows the dynamics of takeover and extinction of different composomes, leading to the generation of different population distributions. The P-GARD model offers a scenario whereby biopolymer formation may be a result of rather than a prerequisite for early life-like processes.

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