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Chiral polymerization and the RNA world

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 September 2005

Jonathan A.D. Wattis  and
Peter V. Coveney
Jonathan A.D. Wattis
Affiliation:
Theoretical Mechanics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK e-mail: [email protected]
Peter V. Coveney
Affiliation:
Centre for Computational Science, Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review two mathematical models: one for the formation of homochiral polymers from an originally chirally symmetric system; and the other, to show how, in an RNA-world scenario, RNA can simultaneously act both as information storage and a catalyst for its own production. We note the similarities and differences in chemical mechanisms present in the systems. We review these two systems, analysing steady states, interesting kinetics and the stability of symmetric solutions. In both systems we show that there are ranges of parameter values where some chains increase their own concentrations faster than others.

Keywords

chiral polymerizationmathematical modellingorigins of lifeRNA world
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 4 , Issue 1 , January 2005 , pp. 63 - 73
Copyright
2005 Cambridge University Press

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