title: A molecular model for transcription in the RNA world based on the ribosome large subunit.
abstract: Examination of the tRNA binding sites in the ribosome suggests that it might once have been able to catalyse the polymerisation of RNA. Based on a viral RNA-dependant RNA polymerase, the geometry of a potential active site for this ribopolymerase was constructed. From examination of the active site geometry, along with other arguments, it is suggested that the ribopolymerase synthesised a parallel complementary strand. When combined into a dimeric polymerase, this strategy minimises the exposure of single-stranded RNA and prevents self-hybridisation: both previously difficult problems for the RNA world hypothesis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Mathematical Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK. wtaylor@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009713:Nucleotidyltransferases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry*; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / Q000737:chemistry; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D021122:Protein Subunits; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012343:RNA, Transfer; D009713:Nucleotidyltransferases; C022545:ribonucleotide polymerase; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase