Figure 1
The metabolic replicator concept and the neighbourhoods of the MRM model. Panel A: The metabolic replicator system with four autocatalytic metabolic replicators (I i , i = 1, .., 4 within the circular arrows). M is the metabolic reaction network supported by the metabolic replicators as enzymes (solid lines) and producing monomers for their replication (dashed lines). Panel B: The relation of metabolic (I i , where i = 1..3) and parasitic (P) replicators to metabolism. Parasites consume monomers produced by the metabolic network but do not contribute to metabolism by catalytic activity. Panel C: Neighbourhoods defined in the MRM model. X is an empty site of the CA lattice, I i (i = 1, .., 4) are the metabolic replicators. Dark grey sites are the replication neighbourhood of the empty site (von Neuamnn neighbourhood in this case) and light grey sites constitute the metabolic neighbourhood of replicator I 1 (3×3 Moore neighbourhood).