On the dynamics of autocatalytic cycles in protocell models

The emergence of autocatalytic sets of molecules seems to have played an important role in the origin of life, allowing a sustainable systems’ growth and reproduction. Several frameworks have been proposed, one of the most recent and promising being that of RAF (Reflexively Autocatalytic-Food generated) sets. As it often happens when topological properties only are taken into account, RAFs are however only potentially able of supporting continuous growth. Dynamics can also play a significant role: it is shown here how dynamical interactions may sometimes lead to unexpected behaviors.