Primitive Genetic Polymers

  1. Nicholas V. Hud
  1. School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332
  1. Correspondence: hud{at}chemistry.gatech.edu

Abstract

Since the structure of DNA was elucidated more than 50 years ago, Watson-Crick base pairing has been widely speculated to be the likely mode of both information storage and transfer in the earliest genetic polymers. The discovery of catalytic RNA molecules subsequently provided support for the hypothesis that RNA was perhaps even the first polymer of life. However, the de novo synthesis of RNA using only plausible prebiotic chemistry has proven difficult, to say the least. Experimental investigations, made possible by the application of synthetic and physical organic chemistry, have now provided evidence that the nucleobases (A, G, C, and T/U), the trifunctional moiety ([deoxy]ribose), and the linkage chemistry (phosphate esters) of contemporary nucleic acids may be optimally suited for their present roles—a situation that suggests refinement by evolution. Here, we consider studies of variations in these three distinct components of nucleic acids with regard to the question: Is RNA, as is generally acknowledged of DNA, the product of evolution? If so, what chemical and structural features might have been more likely and advantageous for a proto-RNA?

Footnotes

  • Editors: David Deamer and Jack W. Szostak

  • Additional Perspectives on The Origins of Life available at www.cshperspectives.org



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      1. Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 2: a002196 Copyright © 2010 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved

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