title: Catalysis and prebiotic RNA synthesis.
abstract: The essential role of catalysis for the origins of life is discussed. The status of the prebiotic synthesis of 2',5'- and 3',5'-linked oligomers of RNA is reviewed. Examples of the role of metal ion and mineral catalysis in RNA oligomer formation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ferris
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D015394:Molecular Structure; D000069497:Origin of Life; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D016337:RNA, Catalytic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D008903:Minerals; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012313:RNA