Abstract

We present computational models for the replication of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) or related macromolecules under thermal cycling conditions that would reflect prebiotic (i.e. non-enzymatic) environments. Two models of the replication of dsRNA are represented as multi-step chemical systems. The objective of this investigation was to better understand the kinetic features of such chemical systems. It is shown that thermal cycling in a chemical system is advantageous (relative to a fixed temperature) if there are two competing reactions, one favored at high temperature and one favored at low temperature. For the prebiotic replication of dsRNA, a high temperature favors formation of the two single stranded RNA (ssRNA) templates and a presumptive catalysis or catalytic surface is active at low temperature at which the ssRNA template is copied. Our models may facilitate understanding possible prebiotic conditions for the replication of dsRNA.

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