The RNA world is proposed to have evolved into the DNA and protein world of today. DNA through its greater chemical stability, took over the role of d

RNA world hypothesis

The phrase “RNA World” was first used by Walter Gilbert in 1986. however, the idea of independent RNA life is older and can be found in Carl Woese’s The Genetic Code.

The RNA world hypothesis is a theory which proposes that a world filled with RNA based live existed before the current DNA based life. RNA, which can store information like DNA and catalyze reactions like proteins, may have supported cellular or pre-cellular life. Some theories as to the biogenetic origin of life state RNA based catalysis and information storage as the first step in the evolution of cellular life.

The RNA world is proposed to have evolved into the DNA and protein world of today. DNA through its greater chemical stability, took over the role of data storage and protein, which is more flexible in catalysis through the great variety of amino acids, became the specialized catalytic molecules. The RNA world hypothesis suggests that messenger RNA, the intermediate in protein production from a DNA sequence, is the evolutionary remnant of the RNA world.

The RNA world hypothesis is supported by RNA’s ability to store, transmit and duplicate genetic information, as DNA does. RNA can also act as a ribozyme. Because it can reproduce on its own, performing the tasks of both DNA and proteins, RNA is believed to have once been capable of independent life.