Mathematical modeling reveals spontaneous emergence of self-replication in chemical reaction systems.

摘要: Explaining the origin of life requires us to elucidate how self-replication arises. To be specific, can a self-replicating entity develop spontaneously from chemical reaction system in which no is self-replicating? Previously proposed mathematical models either supply an explicit framework for minimal living or consider only catalyzed reactions, and thus fail provide comprehensive theory. Here, we set up general model systems that properly accounts energetics, kinetics, conservation law. We found 1) some are collectively catalytic, mode whereby reactants transformed into end products with assistance intermediates (as citric acid cycle), whereas others self-replicating, is, different parts replicate each other self-replicates as whole formose reaction, sugar replicated formaldehyde); 2) side reactions do not always inhibit such systems; 3) randomly chosen universes (namely random artificial chemistries) often contain one more 4) it possible construct entropy decreases, manner similar discussed by Schrodinger; 5) complex molecules emerge relatively easily simple through sequence transitions. Together, these results start explain origins prebiotic evolution.