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Article

Periodic Temperature Fluctuations as an Energy Source for RNA Evolution

Institute of Physical Chemistry, CENIDE, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
Life 2026, 16(6), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060958
Submission received: 5 April 2026 / Revised: 27 May 2026 / Accepted: 3 June 2026 / Published: 5 June 2026

Abstract

The effect of periodic temperature variation on short and partially matching interacting RNA strands is demonstrated using three pairs of competing RNA duplexes as simplified model systems. They represent random base-pairing interactions between short RNA chains at very early stages of RNA evolution. The molecular interaction kinetics are simulated based on the experimental thermodynamic data obtained by M. E. Christiansen et al. and on the Eyring theory. The simulated time developments demonstrate the impact of shifting reaction kinetics and a state of continuous non-equilibrium. The product mix that develops slowly at low temperatures releases chemical (free) energy quickly at high temperatures, and the product mix that develops quickly at high temperatures releases chemical (free) energy slowly at low temperatures. Regarding heat flow and energy storage, the chosen model system represents a generalized Carnot engine, similar to most comparable reactions during RNA evolution. Its action provides a perpetual driving force for selection processes, creating ideal conditions for an ongoing molecular evolution.
Keywords: RNA world; temperature fluctuations; periodicity; thermodynamics; kinetics; driving force; energy source; molecular evolution; Carnot; heat engine RNA world; temperature fluctuations; periodicity; thermodynamics; kinetics; driving force; energy source; molecular evolution; Carnot; heat engine

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MDPI and ACS Style

Mayer, C. Periodic Temperature Fluctuations as an Energy Source for RNA Evolution. Life 2026, 16, 958. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060958

AMA Style

Mayer C. Periodic Temperature Fluctuations as an Energy Source for RNA Evolution. Life. 2026; 16(6):958. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060958

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mayer, Christian. 2026. "Periodic Temperature Fluctuations as an Energy Source for RNA Evolution" Life 16, no. 6: 958. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060958

APA Style

Mayer, C. (2026). Periodic Temperature Fluctuations as an Energy Source for RNA Evolution. Life, 16(6), 958. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060958

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