Biased polymers in the origin of life

Biosystems. 2002 Mar-May;65(2-3):99-103. doi: 10.1016/s0303-2647(02)00008-4.

Abstract

We delve into the study of a Markov chain formalism applied to the thermal prebiotic oligomerization of amino acids. We find for the case of only two types of electromagnetic interactions, that the steady state attainment by the Markov chain is a built in mechanism limiting the expected variability in sequences in a population of polymers. Such result may be of importance as it makes more accessible the replication of a minimal chemical machinery compatible with life.

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers*
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Markov Chains
  • Origin of Life*

Substances

  • Biopolymers