Darwinian evolution of self-replicating entities most likely played a key role in the emergence of life from inanimate matter. For evolution to occur, self-replicators must (1) have structural space accessible to them, (2) occupy only part of it at any time, and (3) navigate it through mutation and selection. We describe a system of self-replicating hexameric macrocycles formed upon the mixing of two building blocks and occupying a subset of possible sequences. Specific interactions, most likely through steric zipper formation, favor a hexamer sequence where the two blocks alternate. Under different replication-destruction regimes, distinct replicator mutants are selected. With non-selective destruction (via outflow), the fastest replicators dominate. With chemically mediated, selective destruction, a mutant that balances replication speed and resistance to reduction by steric zipper formation becomes dominant. This system demonstrates a rudimentary form of Darwinian evolution, where replicators adapt to changing selection pressures through mutation and selection.

中文翻译：

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背离随机性：可以通过空间拉链形成进行自我排序的自我复制器的进化


达尔文的自我复制实体进化很可能在生命从无生命物质中出现的过程中发挥了关键作用。为了发生进化，自我复制者必须 （1） 拥有可供他们访问的结构空间，（2） 在任何时候都只占据它的一部分，以及 （3） 通过突变和选择来导航它。我们描述了一个自我复制的六聚体大环系统，该系统由两个构建块混合而成，并占据可能序列的子集。特异性相互作用，很可能是通过空间拉链形成，有利于两个块交替的六聚体序列。在不同的复制 - 销毁机制下，选择不同的复制器突变体。使用非选择性销毁 （通过流出） ，最快的复制器占主导地位。通过化学介导的选择性破坏，平衡复制速度和抗空间位位拉链形成还原的突变体变得占主导地位。该系统展示了达尔文进化论的一种基本形式，其中复制器通过突变和选择来适应不断变化的选择压力。