A class of autocatalytic reaction networks based on template dependent
ligation and higher order catalysis is analyzed. Apart from an irreversible
ligation reaction we consider only reversible aggregation steps that
provide a realistic description of molecular recognition. The over-all
dynamics can be understood by means of replicator equations with highly
non-linear interaction functions. The dynamics depends crucially on the
total concentration c0 of replicating material.
For small c0 in the hyperbolic growth regime,
we recover the familiar
dynamics of second order replicator equations with its wealth of complex
dynamics ranging from multi-stability to periodic and strange attractors
as well as to heteroclinic orbits. For large c0,
in the parabolic growth regime,
product inhibition becomes dominating and we observe a single globally
stable equilibrium tantamount to permanent coexistence. In an intermediate
parameter range we sometimes observe a behavior that is reminiscent of
``survival of the fittest''. Independently replicating species
(Schlögel's model) and the hypercycle are discussed in detail.
Submitted to Bull.Math.Biol..
Keywords: Autocatalytic Networks, Replicator Equation, Ligation, Hypercycle
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