polymutelysts

Polymutelysts are a hypothetical class of molecules proposed in theoretical biochemistry and molecular biology. The term is derived from "polymer," "mutation," and "catalyst," suggesting entities that can alter their own polymeric structure and potentially catalyze reactions. The core concept of a polymutelist involves a molecule that is not static but can undergo internal rearrangements or changes in its sequence or conformation, akin to a mutation, while also possessing catalytic activity. This dynamic nature would allow polymutelysts to adapt to changing environmental conditions or substrate availability, potentially leading to improved efficiency or novel functions over time. The idea is distinct from simple allosteric regulation or conformational changes in enzymes. Instead, it implies a more fundamental, self-directed alteration of the molecule's building blocks or overall architecture. While no definitive polymutelysts have been experimentally verified, the concept has been explored in theoretical models concerning the origins of life and the evolution of complex biological systems. Researchers imagine that such molecules could play a role in early precellular evolution, enabling rapid adaptation and diversification of biochemical functions before the advent of more complex genetic and protein machinery. The theoretical framework for polymutelysts often draws parallels to concepts in artificial life and evolutionary computation.