An introduction to physical theory of molecular evolution

Abstract

This work is a tutorial in Molecular Evolution from the point of view of Physics. We discuss Eigen's model, a link between evolutionary theory and physics. We will begin by assuming the existence of (marco) molecules or replicators with the template property, that is, the capacity to self-replicate. According to this assumption, information will be randomly generated and destroyed by mutations in the code (i.e., errors in the copying process) and new bits of information will be fixed (made stable) by the existence of an external pressure on the system (i.e., selection), and the ability of the molecules to replicate themselves. Our aim is to build a model in order to describe molecular evolution from as general a standpoint as possible. As we will see, even very simple models from the theoretical point of view will have surprisingly deep consequences.