Self-synthesising RNA strand offers clues to life’s origins
RNA strand, made of just 45 nucleotides, performs two key reactions required for self-replication
A strand of RNA just 45 nucleotides long has been discovered to perform two key reactions required for self-replication. The molecule, which is a kind of RNA enzyme, offers a tantalising clue towards understanding the origin of life, namely how non-living chemistry on prebiotic Earth started to self-replicate and evolve.