Abstract 1872 In vitro selection of noncovalent assemblies to inform the search for the first ribozymes

In vitro selection simulates natural evolutionary processes, including the optimization of enzymes and ribozymes during the emergence of life. Typically, in vitro selection experiments identify individual oligomers with important functions. However, noncovalent interactions between oligomers (e.g. polypeptide subunits of a multimeric polymerase) enable unique activities that modern cells rely on. In order to directly select for noncovalent assemblies, we have developed a procedure for in vitro transcription and ribozyme-catalyzed RNA ligation inside water droplets dispersed in oil.