Populations of RNA molecules as computational model for evolution

We consider populations of RNA molecules as computational model for molecular evolution. Based on a large body of previous work, we review some recent results. In the first place, we study the sequence-structure map, its implications on the structural repertoire of a pool of random RNA sequences and its relevance for the RNA world hypothesis of the origin of life. In a scenario where template replication is possible, we discuss the internal organization of evolving populations and its relationship with robustness and adaptability. Finally, we explore how the effect of the mutation rate on fitness changes depends on the degree of adaptation of an RNA population.