title: RNA evolution and the origins of life.
abstract: The evolution of RNA is likely to have played an important role in the very early history of life on Earth but it is doubtful that life began with RNA. Consideration of what came before RNA must take into account relevant information from geochemistry, prebiotic chemistry and nucleic acid biochemistry.
authors: Department of Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92037.
authors: G F
authors: GF
authors: Joyce
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008958:Models, Molecular; D000069497:Origin of Life; D011687:Purines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012313:RNA
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates; D011687:Purines; D012313:RNA