AUTOCATALYSIS AND THE GENERATION OF SELF-REPLICATING SYSTEMS

From an initial naphthoyl based molecule to a high-affinity biphenyl c arbazole replicator, and from a minimalist self-complementary structur e to a formal bimolecular replication cycle, the development of a seri es of self-replicating systems is charted. Successes and failures alon g the way are noted, with insight into the molecular properties requir ed to generate molecular replication. Characterization of the observed autocatalysis is detailed, confirming the catalytic role of molecular recognition in the various systems.