aCell: A Cell Model Using Artificial Chemistry for Exploring Computation in Nature

Abstract

This study proposes aCell, a new artificial cell model for exploring computation in nature using artificial chemistry. The model represents molecules as spheres and simulates chemical reactions through collision-based rewriting rules. Cell components like membranes are modeled abstractly. Experiments demonstrate aCell's capabilities in forming larger molecules from basic building blocks, modeling reversible reactions, implementing logic gates, storing state, and solving optimization problems. The unified framework supports simulating both essential biology and computation using the same artificial chemistry constructs. aCell provides a flexible platform for investigating information processing in natural cells and bio-inspired computing.