Evolution of the division of labour between templates and catalysts in spatial replicator models

• DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae098
• Publication Date: 2024-08-09T21:02:15Z
• Authors: Yao Fu; Nobuto Takeuchi
• Keywords: Template; Division of labour

The central dogma of molecular biology can be conceptualised as the division labour between templates and catalysts, where transmit genetic information, catalysts accelerate chemical reactions, information flows from to but not templates. How template-catalyst evolve in primordial replicating systems? A previous study has shown that even if does provide an immediate fitness benefit, it through symmetry breaking molecules when are compartmentalised into protocells. However, cellular compartmentalisation may have been absent systems. Here, we investigate whether is necessary for evolution via using individual-based model replicators a two-dimensional space. Our results show their diffusion constant sufficiently high, condition low relatedness replicators. reduces risk invasion by "cheaters," no catalytic activities, encode replicate detriment local population growth. suggest require compartmentalization is, instead, general phenomenon with structured populations.