title: Case for an RNA-prion world: a hypothesis based on conformational diversity.
abstract: Prions and other misfolded proteins can impart their structure and functions to normal molecules. Based upon a thorough structural assessment of RNA, prions and misfolded proteins, especially from the perspective of conformational diversity, we propose a case for co-existence of these in the pre-biotic world. Analyzing the evolution of physical aspects of biochemical structures, we put forward a case for an RNA-prion pre-biotic world, instead of, merely, the "RNA World".
authors.affiliation: Bioinformatics Centre, University of Pune, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Param Priya
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Anirban
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Banerji