Nonequilibrium phase transitions in a model for the origin of life.

摘要: The requisites for the persistence of small colonies self-replicating molecules living in a two-dimensional lattice are investigated analytically infinite diffusion or mean-field limit and through Monte Carlo simulations position-fixed contact process limit. modeled by hypercyclic replicators A that capable replicating via binary fission A+E-->2A with production rate s, as well catalytically assisted replication 2A+E-->3A c. In addition, molecule can degrade into its source materials E gamma. asymptotic regime, system be characterized presence (active phase) absence (empty lattice. both regimes, we find values ratio c/gamma these phases separated second-order phase transition is universality class directed percolation, while s/gamma first order. Furthermore, show suitability dynamic method, which based on analysis spreading behavior few active cells center an otherwise empty lattice, to address problem emergence replicators. Rather surprisingly, this method allows unambiguous identification order nonequilibrium transition.