The Game Theory of Life

Abstract

If we define a game for an infinite variety of molecules as players with a wide variety of interactions between them such that a subset of those molecules are able to spontaneously polymerize and replicate (among other conditions), mathematical reasoning finds that viroid species will arise and compete; that those species will incorporate non-genetic molecules, develop protective structures made of non-genetic material, and develop machinery to synthesize non-genetic material from genetic instructions.

The Game Theory of Life proposes that once these (reproducing) organisms can synthesize non-genetic molecules which can modify genetic material, they qualify as Von Neumann universal constructors. The theory also proposes this attribute as the definition of life.

• Environments for Life

• Viroids -- the Nucleotide Game

• Evolution in the Nucleotide Game

• Big Game Theory -- Evolutionary Breakthroughs

• What is Life? -- Universal Constructors

• Proof of Life

The Game Theory of Cellular Life

• Membranes and Cell Division

• The Evolution of Proteins

• On The Origin of Collectives -- Bacterial Evolution

• Bacterial Metabolism, Neurotransmitters, Migraine Headaches, and Birth Defects

• Viruses and Bacteria -- Flagellum

• Viruses and the Genesis of Eukaryotes

• Eukaryote Evolution: Why So Much Non-Coding DNA?

• Recombination -- Is Sex Really Necessary?

• Rates of Evolution -- The Drive For Quantitative Results

• Conclusion

• Bibliography