Recognition-Encoded Molecules: A Minimal Self-Replicator.

Nucleic acids, with their unique duplex structure, which is key for information replication, have sparked interest in self-replication's role in life's origins. Early template-based replicators, initially built on short oligonucleotides, expanded to include peptides and synthetic molecules. We explore here the potential of a class of synthetic duplex-forming oligoanilines, as self-replicators.