Omnipotent RNA.
The capability of polyribonucleotide chains to form unique, compactly folded structures is considered the basis for diverse non-genetic functions of RNA, including the function of recognition of various ligands and the catalytic function. Together with well-known genetic functions of RNA - coding and complementary replication - this has led to the concept of the functional omnipotence of RNA and the hypothesis that an ancient RNA world supposedly preceded the contemporary DNA-RNA-protein life. It is proposed that the Woese universal precursor in the ancient RNA world could be a cell-free community of mixed RNA colonies growing and multiplying on solid surfaces.
Spirin
Alexander S
AS
Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia. spirin@vega.protres.ru
D002384:Catalysis; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
D012313:RNA