Genetic information could be integrated extrinsically for simplest life forms.
Polynucleotides and proteins coupled in mutual synthesis are widely believed to have been needed for the origin of life, but this theory encounters grave problems. Simple catalysts reproducing by positive feedback, sometimes advocated as an alternative, lack a built-in mechanism for generating and accumulating genetic information. Modern organisms, however, integrate genetic information by extrinsic in addition to intrinsic mechanisms, and extrinsic mechanisms were available even at the beginning of chemical evolution for any self-reproducing entities that might have appeared. Novel molecules were generated by reactions among prevailing molecules, and a catalyst multiplying by positive feedback would have transmitted structural information not only to progeny molecules of its kind, but to derivatives and by-products. New molecules derived immediately or remotely from successfully reproducing catalysts would be favored to have catalytic properties. New catalysts with effective positive feedback would increase autocatalytically and be integrated with others into a metabolizing system by natural selection.
Allen
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G
U.S. Public Health Service, Bethesda, Maryland.
D005075:Biological Evolution; D002384:Catalysis; D005246:Feedback; D008957:Models, Genetic; D000069497:Origin of Life