Two Different Template Replicators in Protocells
Author Information
Author(s): Zachar István, Fedor Anna, Szathmáry Eörs
Primary Institution: Eötvös University (ELTE), Budapest, Hungary
Hypothesis
Can two competing template cycles coexist within the same chemoton model?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that two competing templates can coexist in a chemoton due to the coupling of chemical reactions.
Supporting Evidence
- The chemoton model can maintain stable cell cycles under various conditions.
- The introduction of a two-state switch allows for controlled cell growth and division.
- The coexistence of templates suggests that Eigen's paradox may be more relaxed than previously thought.
Takeaway
This study shows that in a simple model of life, two different types of templates can live together and help each other grow.
Methodology
The chemoton was implemented using the BlenX programming language and simulated with a stochastic model to observe the behavior of competing templates.
Limitations
The model does not account for random variations in template generation, which could affect evolutionary dynamics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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