Emergence in complex systems based on synthetic replicators
Abstract
Biopolymers with defined recognition pattern were used to generate the first artificial
replicating systems. Stripping down these systems to their most fundamental properties allowed
to move away from the biological origins to construct replicators consisting of simple organic
molecules. These systems have proven highly instructive for the in-depth understanding of the
main requirements for the targeted development of efficient replicators. With this knowledge at
hand, it is now possible to combine several replicators for the formation of molecular networks,
and to use the unique properties of replication to manipulate these networks by external stimuli.
In the thesis presented, the investigation of a family of self-replicators culminated in the
successful construction of several examples of a multicyclic system in which four building blocks
are able to react via two autocatalytic and two reciprocal pathways. Owing to the connectivity in
this reaction system, it was demonstrated that its outcome can be influenced in a programmable
manner by the addition of informational template. Some of the responses can be deduced directly
from the functioning of the individual systems, others however are to be classified as emergent
properties of the network. Upon elucidation of the multicyclic systems, it became apparent that
working in closed reaction systems puts intrinsic boundaries on the possibility to bias the outcome
of the reaction network. This limitation prevented the extinction of the inferior type of replicators
even under highly unfavourable conditions and instead always led to coexistence for all species.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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