Self-folding Self-replication
<|reference_start|>Self-folding Self-replication: Inspired by protein folding, we explored the construction of three-dimensional structures and machines from one-dimensional chains of simple building blocks. This approach not only allows us to recreate the self-replication mechanism introduced earlier, but also significantly simplifies the process. We introduced a new set of folding blocks that facilitate the formation of secondary structures such as {\alpha}-helices and \b{eta}-sheets, as well as more advanced tertiary and quaternary structures, including self-replicating machines. The introduction of rotational degrees of freedom leads to a reduced variety of blocks and, most importantly, reduces the overall size of the machines by a factor of five. In addition, we present a universal copier-constructor, a highly efficient self-replicating mechanism composed of approximately 40 blocks, including the restictions posed on it. The paper also addresses evolutionary considerations, outlining several steps on the evolutionary ladder towards more sophisticated self-replicating systems. Finally, this study offers a clear rationale for nature's preference for one-dimensional chains in constructing three-dimensional structures.<|reference_end|>
@article{lano2024self-folding,
    title={Self-folding Self-replication},
    author={Ralph P. Lano},
    journal={arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.07154},
    year={2024},
    archivePrefix={arXiv},
    eprint={2408.07154},
    primaryClass={cs.CL physics.bio-ph}
}