Abstract.
The RNA world hypothesis states that life originated via a system based on RNA genomes and RNA catalysts. Researchers have been trying to develop such a system since catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) were discovered in 1982. This review summarizes the recent progress made in that endeavor and outlines the obstacles that remain to be overcome. After giving a short background on prebiotic chemistry and in vitro evolution, the discussion focuses on the generation of three important components of an RNA world: a sufficient polymerase ribozyme, self-replicating membrane compartments and ribozymes that are capable of performing basic metabolic processes.
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Received 31 January 2006; accepted 15 March 2006
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Müller, U.F. Re-creating an RNA world. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 63, 1278–1293 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-006-6047-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-006-6047-1