Abstract
AbstractSynthetic chemistry has drastically progressed during the last few decades. Like in DNA, it is now possible to synthesize abiotic macromolecules with precisely‐controlled sequences of monomers. Artificial systems allowing hybridization and information transfer have been described. Simple metabolism models have also been prepared and investigated. Thus, the creation of minimal artificial life forms appears as a (still relatively far) but possibly reachable objective. In this context, the aim of the present essay is to discuss recent achievement and future challenges towards man‐induced abiogenesis. In terms of polymer design, a synthetic macromolecule that would support Life as DNA do would require at least all the following properties: (i) information‐storage capacity, (ii) information‐transfer ability and (iii) the possibility to evolve through molecular mutations. Recent advances in that direction are summarized herein. However, Life is not only a matter of macromolecular design. In order to operate, a self‐replicator shall co‐exist with other molecules in non‐equilibrium conditions. Hence, systems chemistry aspects are also discussed in this essay.
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