Primitive genetic polymers.

TitlePrimitive genetic polymers.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsEngelhart, AE, Hud, NV
JournalCold Spring Harb Perspect Biol
Volume2
Issue12
Paginationa002196
Date Published2010 Dec
ISSN1943-0264
KeywordsBiogenesis, Evolution, Chemical, Molecular Structure, Nucleic Acids, Polymerization, RNA
Abstract

Since the structure of DNA was elucidated more than 50 years ago, Watson-Crick base pairing has been widely speculated to be the likely mode of both information storage and transfer in the earliest genetic polymers. The discovery of catalytic RNA molecules subsequently provided support for the hypothesis that RNA was perhaps even the first polymer of life. However, the de novo synthesis of RNA using only plausible prebiotic chemistry has proven difficult, to say the least. Experimental investigations, made possible by the application of synthetic and physical organic chemistry, have now provided evidence that the nucleobases (A, G, C, and T/U), the trifunctional moiety ([deoxy]ribose), and the linkage chemistry (phosphate esters) of contemporary nucleic acids may be optimally suited for their present roles-a situation that suggests refinement by evolution. Here, we consider studies of variations in these three distinct components of nucleic acids with regard to the question: Is RNA, as is generally acknowledged of DNA, the product of evolution? If so, what chemical and structural features might have been more likely and advantageous for a proto-RNA?

DOI10.1101/cshperspect.a002196
Alternate JournalCold Spring Harb Perspect Biol
PubMed ID20462999
PubMed Central IDPMC2982173