replikoid

A replikoid is a hypothetical biological entity that is capable of self-replication without the need for genetic material. The term was coined by biologist Jack W. Szostak in 2002 to describe a theoretical organism that could replicate itself using a non-genetic template. Unlike traditional organisms that rely on DNA or RNA for replication, replikoids would use a different mechanism, such as a self-assembling protein scaffold or a synthetic polymer.

The concept of replikoids is significant in the field of synthetic biology and origin-of-life research. They challenge traditional views of biological replication and raise questions about the fundamental nature of life. If replikoids were to be discovered, they could provide new insights into the evolution of life on Earth and potentially lead to the development of novel technologies for self-replicating systems.

However, the existence of replikoids remains purely speculative. Despite extensive research, no concrete evidence of such entities has been found. The search for replikoids continues, with scientists exploring various theoretical models and conducting experiments to test their feasibility. The study of replikoids remains an active area of research, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of life and its origins.