An Experimental Framework for Generating Evolvable Chemical Systems in the Laboratory

• DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9526-x
• Publication Date: 2016-11-18T21:11:32Z
• Authors: David A. Baum; Kalin Vetsigian
• Keywords: Abiogenesis; Chemical evolution; Artificial life; Adaptive Evolution; Identification

Most experimental work on the origin of life has focused either characterizing chemical synthesis particular biochemicals and their precursors or designing simple systems that manifest life-like properties such as self-propagation adaptive evolution. Here we propose a new class experiments, analogous to artificial ecosystem selection, where select for spontaneously forming self-propagating assemblages in lab then seek evidence response selection key indicator have arisen. Since surfaces surface metabolism likely played an important role life, challenge is find conditions foster nucleation spread consortia surfaces. We high-throughput screening diverse set order identify combinations "food," energy sources, mineral emergence surface-associated are capable Identification would greatly advance our understanding entities onset evolution during life.