On evolvability and robustness in the matrix-GRT model

Abstract

Quantifying evolution and understanding robustness are best done with a system that is both rich enough to frustrate rigging of the answer and simple enough to permit comparison against either existing systems or absolute measures. Such a system is provided by the self-referential model matrix-genome, replication and translation, based on the concept of operators, which is introduced here. Ideas are also taken from the evolving micro-controller research. This new model replaces micro-controllers by simple matrix operations. These matrices, seen as abstract proteins, work on abstract genomes, peptides or other proteins. Studying the evolutionary properties shows that the protein-only hypothesis (proteins as active elements) shows poor evolvability and the RNA-before-protein hypothesis (genomes controlling) exhibits similar intricate evolutionary dynamics as in the micro-controller model. A simple possible explanation for this surprising difference in behavior is presented. In addition to existing evolutionary models, dynamical and organizational changes or transitions occurring late in long-term experiments are demonstrated.