Homochiral growth through enantiomeric cross-inhibition.
The stability and conservation properties of a recently proposed polymerization model are studied. The achiral (racemic) solution is linearly unstable once the relevant control parameter (here the fidelity of the catalyst) exceeds a critical value. The growth rate is calculated for different fidelity parameters and cross-inhibition rates. A chirality parameter is defined and shown to be conserved by the nonlinear terms of the model. Finally, a truncated version of the model is used to derive a set of two ordinary differential equations and it is argued that these equations are more realistic than those used in earlier models of that form.
Brandenburg
A
A
Nordita, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. brandenb@nordita.dk
Andersen
A C
AC
Höfner
S
S
Nilsson
M
M
D004247:DNA / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008956:Models, Chemical; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D004247:DNA