Event Title : Compositional identity and robustness of compartmentalised self-reproducing catalytic RNAs
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Robust and dynamic compartmentalized self-replicating chemistries are an important step in understanding the emergence of life. Here, we demonstrate the encapsulation of a self-reproducing RNA system in liquid-like coacervate droplets (compartments) where catalytic RNAs are synthesised from the self-assembly of smaller RNA fragments. We observe rate enhancement of the self-assembly process in the condense compartment phase. Further, we demonstrate that cross-catalytic networks of RNA self-reproducers can be constructed, establishing a unique chemical compositional identity of the compartment. In addition to compatibility with network formation, coacervate compartments provide compositional robustness against perturbation by parasitic/competing RNA catalysts. Being transient in nature, phase-separated compartment have potential to provide temporal and spatial protection to self-reproducing RNAs from other competing catalytic RNAs.