Gene replication

We achieve template directed replication of short single stranded nucleic acids (composed of 4 to 6 monomers with complementary dimeric oligomers) on oil-water interfaces and surfactant coated oil droplets [5]. Simulations reveal that the stability of hybridization complexes prior to ligation significantly depends on the template's base sequence, i.e. a molecular fitness function emerges from geometrical properties of the nucleic acid representation [5]. Melting of double stranded nucleic acids can be achieved by a temperature cycle (implemented in DPD by scaling the interaction potentials). Choosing appropriate values for the stiffness of the nucleic acid backbone and water-oil repulsion, we can achieve melting of the double strand while preserving the integrity of the container. When more than one template is present on the surface of the aggregate, product inhibition substantially hindered successful gene replication. This problem is well-known from experiments and we are currently seeking for ways to overcome this obstacle.

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