Sara Walker and our writer discuss the Origin of Life and the Assembly Theory
The self-reinforcing assembly theory framework is a groundbreaking conceptual approach that sheds light on how complex structures, whether they are molecules, particles, or functional units, come together to form increasingly intricate systems. This theory emphasises the importance of positive feedback loops, where the assembly of parts enhances the likelihood or efficiency of further assembly, promoting growth and complexity over time.
In the realm of life's emergence, this self-reinforcing process is considered fundamental. Early biochemical or molecular components must have formed stable, ordered structures that catalysed or facilitated their own replication or assembly. This feedback-driven growth mechanism can explain how simple chemical mixtures transitioned into highly organised, functional molecular systems characteristic of living organisms.
Self-assembly, a phenomenon where initially disordered molecules or particles aggregate to form larger, ordered structures, is a foundational process in the early organisation of biological molecules. When assembly is self-reinforcing, each step of assembly increases the propensity or efficiency for further assembly steps, forming a positive feedback loop that can escalate complexity and stability.
Theoretical frameworks like tile assembly models mathematically describe how simple components with defined binding sites come together to form larger, computable structures, highlighting how complex order can emerge from simple rules governing assembly.
The self-reinforcing assembly process is not exclusive to biology. It can be observed in basic chemical reactions as well as complex organisms. A fascinating example of this can be found in inorganic chemistry, with the self-reproducing molybdenum ring. This structure acts as a template for smaller components, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.
Beyond biology, this framework can be applied to the study of language, where meaning emerges from recurring patterns and relationships. Each new structure that emerges excludes countless other possibilities. In the context of language, the space of possible configurations is vast, but certain structures are used with high regularity due to causation and relationships between recurring patterns.
The self-reinforcing assembly theory provides a method to distinguish between structures that can arise randomly and those requiring an evolutionary process. The system collapses into producing just the molybdenum ring structure out of an exponentially large space of possible molecular configurations.
In essence, the self-reinforcing assembly theory explains life’s emergence as a natural consequence of molecular components spontaneously organising into increasingly complex and stable assemblies through feedback processes, eventually leading to the first living systems. The evolutionary struggle isn't just between existing things, but also between what exists and what never gets the chance to exist. The self-reinforcing cycle is a constant struggle against non-existence, making self-reproduction what makes life remarkable.
Science frequently reveals self-reinforcing assembly processes in various fields. For instance, health-and-wellness relies on self-reinforcing cycles, such as regular exercise leading to improved fitness, which further boosts overall health.
Similarly, nutrition shares this principle; consuming a balanced diet can promote better nutrient absorption, which in turn fosters improved health and encourages ongoing healthy eating patterns.
In environmental-science, self-reinforcing mechanisms manifest in feedback loops, like the carbon cycle, where increased carbon emissions cause climate change, which further accelerates carbon emissions.
The advancement of technology can also be seen as self-reinforcing, as new innovations lead to improved productivity, which in turn fuels further technological progress.
In education-and-self-development, mastering a new concept or skill typically strengthens neural connections, making learning and self-improvement more efficient.
Just like in space-and-astronomy, where celestial bodies exert gravitational forces on each other, perpetuating movements and orbits, self-reinforcing processes perpetuate change and growth in an array of domains, including lifestyle, fostering a state of continuous development and transformation.
