A Self-Replicating Peptide under Ionic Control

Abstract

The chemical coupling of two peptide fragments to give the peptide K1 K2 (shown in the helical wheel diagram on the right) is autocatalytic at high NaClO₄ concentrations (1 M). Under these conditions K1 K2 assumes a coiled-coil conformation, which can function as a template for the coupling. Autocatalysis is not observed under conditions that prevent formation of the coiled-coil conformation.