In: Biology
What characteristic of RNA suggests that it was critical to the origin of life? In other words, what properties does RNA possess that allow it to functionally overlap with both DNA & proteins?
No handwritten/ cursive responses. No uploaded pictures, please. only written text/1 Thank you
Actually RNA is the first genetic material. There are enough evidence to suggest that essential life processes ( like : metabolism, translation, splicing , etc) , evolved around RNA. RNA can directly code for the synthesis of protein ,hence can easily express the characters. Whereas DNA is dependent on RNA for synthesis of proteins. The protein synthesising machinery has evolved around RNA. So for the transmission of genetic information RNA is better.
Whereas ; RNA used to act as a genetic material as well as a catalyst. RNA being a catalyst was highly reactive due to OH group present at position -2; and hence unstable. RNA being unstable mutate faster. Therefore; DNA evolved from RNA with chemical modification that make it more stable.