Speculations on the early course of evolution.
The proposal that RNA preceded DNA in evolution is more than 15 years old. In light of recent studies on RNA processing (including protein-free reactions), present knowledge about eukaryotic gene structure, and studies comparing ribosomal RNA sequences, we propose a train of events for precellular and early cellular evolution.
Darnell
J E
JE
Doolittle
W F
WF
D001483:Base Sequence; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003062:Codon; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D005796:Genes; D011387:Prokaryotic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics*; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics
D003062:Codon; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase