An information-carrying and knowledge-producing molecular machine. A Monte-Carlo simulation

J Mol Model. 2012 Feb;18(2):607-9. doi: 10.1007/s00894-011-1081-9. Epub 2011 May 11.

Abstract

The concept called Knowledge is a measure of the quality of genetically transferred information. Its usefulness is demonstrated quantitatively in a Monte-Carlo simulation on critical steps in a origin of life model. The model describes the origin of a bio-like genetic apparatus by a long sequence of physical-chemical steps: it starts with the presence of a self-replicating oligomer and a specifically structured environment in time and space that allow for the formation of aggregates such as assembler-hairpins-devices and, at a later stage, an assembler-hairpins-enzyme device-a first translation machine.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Environment
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Origin of Life*
  • Proteins
  • RNA

Substances

  • Proteins
  • RNA