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Did template-directed nucleation precede molecular replication?It is proposed that mononucleotides incorporated into the surfaces of microcrystals of inorganic phosphates such as hydroxyapatite can act as templates to assemble complementary mononucleotides from solution, and that the phosphate groups of the assembled nucleotides can facilitate nucleation of a second hydroxyapatite crystal. This would provide a mechanism of replication that is subject to natural selection. The possible role of a replicating system of this kind in the origins of life on the earth is discussed.
Document ID
19870038539
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Orgel, Leslie E.
(Salk Institute for Biological Studies San Diego, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life
Volume: 17
ISSN: 0302-1688
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
87A25813
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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