Genetic exchange leading to self-assembling RNA species upon encapsulation in artificial protocells
The encapsulation of information-bearing macromolecules inside protocells is a critical step in scenarios for the origins of fife on the Earth as well as for the construction of artificial living systems. For these protocclls to emulate life, they must be able to transmit generic information to other cells. We have used a water-in-oil emulsion system to simulate the compartmentalization of catalytic RNA molecules. By exploiting RNA-directcd recombination reactions previously developed in our laboratory, including a ribozyme self-assembly path-way, we demonstrate that it is possible for information to be exchanged among protocells. This can happen either indirectly by the passage of divalent cations through the inter-protocellular medium (oil), or by the direct interaction of two or more protocells that allows RNA molecules to be exchanged. The degree of agitation affects the ability Of such exchange. The consequences of these results include the implications that prototypical living systems can transmit information among compartments, and that the environment can regulate the extent of this crosstalk.
rna encapsulation recombination ribozymes artificial cells