Methyl-RNA: an evolutionary bridge between RNA and DNA?
Given the apparent limitation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes to about 30 kb, together with the complexity of DNA synthesis, it appears difficult for a dsRNA genome to encode all the information required before the transition from an RNA to a DNA genome. Ribonucleotide reductase itself, which synthesizes deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides, requires complex protein radical chemistry, and RNA world genomes may have reached their limits of coding capacity well before such complex enzymes had evolved. The transition from RNA to DNA thus appears to require intermediate steps, and we suggest that the naturally occurring 2'-O-methylated RNA, with chemical properties intermediate between RNA and DNA, is a suitable candidate.
Poole
A
A
Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Penny
D
D
Sjöberg
B
B
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003854:Deoxyribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D016678:Genome; D008745:Methylation; D008957:Models, Genetic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016337:RNA, Catalytic / Q000378:metabolism; D012264:Ribonucleotide Reductases / Q000378:metabolism; D012265:Ribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D003854:Deoxyribonucleotides; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012265:Ribonucleotides; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D012264:Ribonucleotide Reductases