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RNA’s Role in the Origins of Life: An Agentic ‘Manager’, or Recipient of ‘Off-loaded’ Constraints?

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Abstract

In his Target Article, Deacon develops simple models that assist in understanding the role of RNA in the origins of life. However, his models fail to adequately represent an important evolutionary dynamic. Central to this dynamic is the selection that impinges on RNA molecules in the context of their association with proto-metabolisms. This selection shapes the role of RNA in the emergence of life. When this evolutionary dynamic is appropriately taken into account, it predicts a role for RNA that is consistent with the Managed-Metabolism Hypothesis about the origins of life, and inconsistent with Deacon’s account.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Evolution, Complexity and Cognition Group, Center Leo Apostel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

    John E. Stewart

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  1. John E. Stewart
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Correspondence to John E. Stewart.

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Stewart, J.E. RNA’s Role in the Origins of Life: An Agentic ‘Manager’, or Recipient of ‘Off-loaded’ Constraints?. Biosemiotics 14, 643–650 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12304-021-09450-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12304-021-09450-y

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