Research Unveils RNA-Based Life's Genome Repair Origins
Researchers have engineered a ribozyme capable of repairing broken RNA strands, supporting the 'RNA World' hypothesis regarding the origins of life. This discovery suggests that RNA could have managed its own genetic preservation without the need for proteins.
Why it matters
This provides significant insight into the chemical evolution of life, potentially solving the 'chicken-and-egg' dilemma of whether DNA or proteins came first.
In most modern cells, DNA stores the genetic blueprint, and relies on proteins to replicate, repair and build from those blueprints. At the same time, proteins require instructions from DNA to be made in the first place.
The content is purely scientific and based on peer-reviewed research findings.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in