Journal article
Autocatalytic Replication and Homochirality in Biopolymers: Is Homochirality a Requirement of Life or a Result of It?
Abstract
A key step in the origin of life is the establishment of autocatalytic cycles controlled by biopolymer catalysts. These catalysts (either ribozymes or proteins) are composed of homochiral monomers. Homochirality in living systems is maintained because biopolymers are asymmetric in their catalysis and synthesize molecules of their own handedness. Asymmetric autocatalysis is also possible with small molecules, as demonstrated by the Soai …
Authors
Wu M; Walker SI; Higgs PG
Journal
Astrobiology, Vol. 12, No. 9, pp. 818–829
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert
Publication Date
September 2012
DOI
10.1089/ast.2012.0819
ISSN
1531-1074