language: en

Parasites and Pattern Formation

J. Ackermann and T. Kimer
InsdOite of Molecular Biotechnology (1MB), Department of Molecular Information Processing,
Beutenbergsu-.l 1. D-07745 Jena
Z. Naturforsch. 54 a, 146-152 (1999);

[received December 15, 1998]

Biological informadon is coded in replicating molecules. To maintain a given amount of informarion a cooperative interaction between diese molecules is essential. The main problem for die stability of a system of prebiodc replicators are emerging parasites. Stabilization against such parasites is possible if space is introduced in die model. Complex patterns like spiral waves and self-replicating spot patterns have been shown to stabilize such systems. Stability of replicating systems, however, occurs only in parameter regions were such complex patterns occur. We show diat parasites are able to push such systems into a parameter region were life is possible. To demonsUrate diis influence of parasites on such systems, we inu-oduce a parasitic species in die Gray-Scott model. The growing concentradon of parasites will kill the system, and the cooperative Gray-Scott system will be diluted out in a well mixed flow reactor. While considering space, in the model stabilizing pattern formation in a narrow parameter region is possible. We demonstrate that die concenüadon of the parasidc species is able to push die system into a region were stabihzing patterns emerge.

Keywords: Pattern Formadon; Reaction-Diffusion; Molecular Evolution; Parasites; Coevoluuon; Cooperation.

1. Introduction