King G A
Orig Life. 1977 Apr;8(1):39-53. doi: 10.1007/BF00930938.
The paper uses chemical kinetic arguments and illustrations by computer modelling to discuss the origin and evolution of life. Complex self-reproducing chemical systems cannot arise spontaneously, whereas simple auto-catalytic systems can, especially in an irradiated aqueous medium. Self-reproducing chemical particles of any complexity, in an appropriate environment, have a self-regulating property which permits long-term survival. However, loss of materials from the environment can lead to continuing decay which is circumvented by physical union between different kinds of self-reproducing particles. The increasing complexity produced by such unions (symbioses) is irreversible so that the chemical system evolves. It is suggested that evolution by successive symbioses brought about the change from simple, spontaneously arising, auto-catalytic particles to complex prokaryotic cells.
本文运用化学动力学观点并通过计算机建模说明来探讨生命的起源与演化。复杂的自我复制化学系统不会自发产生，而简单的自催化系统则可以，特别是在受辐射的水介质中。任何复杂程度的自我复制化学粒子在适宜环境中都具有自我调节特性，使其能够长期存活。然而，环境中物质的流失会导致持续衰变，不同种类自我复制粒子之间的物理结合可避免这种情况。这种结合（共生）产生的日益复杂是不可逆的，从而使化学系统得以演化。有人提出，通过连续共生实现的演化导致了从简单的、自发产生的自催化粒子到复杂原核细胞的转变。
