The Information-Energy Phase Transition Theory: A Tiered Framework for Lifes Emergence from Simple to Complex Replicators

Life’s emergence from prebiotic chemistry represents one of the most profound organi- zational transitions in the universe. We present the Information-Energy Phase Transition (IEPT) theory, which frames abiogenesis as a non-equilibrium thermodynamic phase transi- tion analogous to percolation phenomena, occurring when sustained energy flux, molecular complexity, and information storage capacity simultaneously exceed critical thresholds. This comprehensively revised framework resolves the “initial replicator problem” through a tiered evolutionary architecture, progressing from simple self-ligating RNAs (Tier 1: 30- 85 nucleotides, Etotal ≈ 800-1500 kJ mol−1) to complex polymerase ribozymes (Tier 2: 165 nucleotides, Etotal ≈ 2100-2400 kJ mol−1). For Tier 1 systems, we calculate achievable internal nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) concentrations of 0.5-1.0 mM within prebiotic vesi- cles through parallel geochemical concentration networks operating over 20-45 days. Tier 2 systems require 1.5-2.5 mM, achievable through scaffolded evolution following the initial transition. We rigorously ground the theory in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, deriving the phase transition criterion from fluctuation theorems and connecting it explicitly to dissi- pative adaptation. Energy components are validated through comparative crystallographic analysis, kinetic proofreading theory, and empirical calorimetric measurements. The theory incorporates realistic competitive inhibition factors (fcomp = 0.05-0.15) and continuous NTP regeneration via prebiotically plausible phosphorylation mechanisms. Stochastic simulations across multiple polymer lengths reveal universal critical scaling with exponent β = 0.40 ± 0.04, matching the three-dimensional percolation universality class (βperc = 0.41). We formalize this connection through a rigorous mapping to perco- lation on high-dimensional hypercube graphs representing sequence space, demonstrating that replication involves the formation of connected networks of viable, mutually-catalytic sequences. Comprehensive experimental validation protocols combine isothermal titration calorime- try, differential scanning calorimetry, and deep sequencing-based informational order pa- rameters, with clear falsification criteria testable within three years. Alternative genetic polymers (peptide nucleic acids, threose nucleic acids) provide independent tests predicting 25-40% threshold reductions relative to RNA. IEPT transforms origin-of-life research from qualitative narrative into quantitative, fal- sifiable science by defining minimum environmental conditions necessary for spontaneous emergence of self-sustaining molecular organization, with direct applications to planetary habitability assessment and synthetic minimal cell design.