Self Replicating molecules

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Originally posted by Tranquility Base:
Yes this is fascinating stuff. As an ex-peptide person (I used to work on peptide toxins) I am aware of this but it is also extremely clear that this could (i) not systematically replicate an arbitary sequence (it only works for coiled-coils)

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Does the article not claim that the molecules spontaneously adopt a helical structure? I take that as coiled. I know I don't have to ask you to correct me if I'm wrong.

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and (ii) is not related to the way in which DNA replicates. Perhaps this will become known as the coiled-coil world (ala the RNA world)?

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Why does this have to replicate the way DNA replicates? As I understand it, DNA could be a late comer in the game.------------------
http://www.hells-handmaiden.com

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Originally posted by Tranquility Base:
The point is that arbitrary DNA seqeunces replicate (via a host of enzyme systems). Peptides will not - only a few special sequences will. It's fascinating (I've been kicking myself ever since for not thinking of it) but it's not a systematic replication system.

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And?------------------
http://www.hells-handmaiden.com

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Originally posted by Tranquility Base:
No-one has outlined how one can go from a self replicating peptide to a cell!

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There is a lot that has not been done. There are gaps in knowledge. I have seen some good starts at it though.You can't jump from 'no one has done it' to 'it can't be done'. Your problem is to prove that it cannot be done, and that it cannot be done any other way.Its just chemistry, TB. There is nothing magical about it.

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I thought this was a CvsE BBS?

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Are we not discussing creation?------------------
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