Chemical Society Seminar: Derek O'Flaherty - Origins of life; how using artificial genetic polymers can overcome challenges associated with nonenzymatic replication
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Abstract:
All known forms of life encode their genetic information in a sequence of nucleobases of a genetic polymer. The genetic information is propagated through replication. However, how this process began before the advent of, or without, a replicase enzyme is unknown. This mystery in the origins of life has prompted more than 50 years of research on nonenzymatic replication of a genetic material. RNA is a logical candidate for the primordial genetic polymer, but significant problems associated with nonenzymatic RNA replication stifle the progress of building an abiotic system capable of Darwinian evolution (e.g. the extent of copying chemistry). I will describe how using modified (RNA-like) genetic polymers can circumvent certain challenges associated with RNA copying chemistry, and discuss potential routes to sustain nonenzymatic genetic polymer replication. In addition, I will discuss pathways to further elucidate transitions from chemical processes to those that are enzymatic/functional.