dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaMinimal model of self-replicating nanocells: a physically embodied information-free scenario
| Authors | Harold Fellermann, Ricard V. Solé |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | q-bio/0607027 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0607027 |
Abstract
The building of minimal self-reproducing systems with a physical embodiment (generically called protocells) is a great challenge, with implications for both theory and applied sciences. Although the classical view of a living protocell assumes that it includes information-carrying molecules as an essential ingredient, a dividing cell-like structure can be built from a metabolism-container coupled system, only. An example of such a system, modeled with dissipative particle dynamics, is presented here. This article demonstrates how a simple coupling between a precursor molecule and surfactant molecules forming micelles can experience a growth-division cycle in a predictable manner, and analyzes the influence of crucial parameters on this replication cycle. Implications of these results for origins of cellular life and living technology are outlined.
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"abstract": "The building of minimal self-reproducing systems with a physical embodiment\n(generically called protocells) is a great challenge, with implications for\nboth theory and applied sciences. Although the classical view of a living\nprotocell assumes that it includes information-carrying molecules as an\nessential ingredient, a dividing cell-like structure can be built from a\nmetabolism-container coupled system, only. An example of such a system, modeled\nwith dissipative particle dynamics, is presented here. This article\ndemonstrates how a simple coupling between a precursor molecule and surfactant\nmolecules forming micelles can experience a growth-division cycle in a\npredictable manner, and analyzes the influence of crucial parameters on this\nreplication cycle. Implications of these results for origins of cellular life\nand living technology are outlined.",
"arxiv_id": "q-bio/0607027",
"authors": [
"Harold Fellermann",
"Ricard V. Sol\u00e9"
],
"categories": [
"q-bio.CB",
"q-bio.BM"
],
"title": "Minimal model of self-replicating nanocells: a physically embodied information-free scenario",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0607027"
},
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"execution_id": "bbbf5f18-c3b9-437f-a17b-a007945599e7",
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"type": "Model",
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