Could RNA have been around pre-biotically?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the RNA World hypothesis, which posits that RNA served as both genetic material and a catalyst in early life forms. This hypothesis suggests that RNA could have existed pre-biotically, potentially leading to the emergence of multiple living forms. The conversation references the Brittanic.com article, emphasizing the role of RNA in primitive cells before DNA and proteins became predominant in biological systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • RNA World hypothesis
  • Basic understanding of abiogenesis
  • Knowledge of genetic information storage
  • Familiarity with chemical catalysis in biological systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the RNA World hypothesis in detail
  • Explore the types of organic molecules present on prebiotic Earth
  • Investigate the transition from RNA to DNA as genetic material
  • Examine the role of proteins in early cellular structures and functions
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Students of biology, researchers in abiogenesis, and anyone interested in the origins of life and the role of RNA in early evolutionary processes.

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Homework Statement



I’m reading my way through the Brittanic.com article on abiogenesis and I have a question regards the following line taken from the article;[/B]

“...a single RNA catalyst could have produced mulitiple living forms...”

Q. Is this implying that RNA could have existed pre-biotically? That it could have caused the first life forms (‘...produced mulitiple living forms...’)?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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That's a reference to the RNA World hypothesis.

"According to this hypothesis, RNA stored both genetic information and catalyzed the chemical reactions in primitive cells. Only later in evolutionary time did DNA take over as the genetic material and proteins become the major catalyst and structural component of cells."
 
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"RNA world" would be a good place to start a google search.You could also have a look at the sorts of organics found already that give a glimpse of the sorts molecules that could have been around on pre biotic earth.
 
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