Autocatalytic reactions driving the self-assembly of biological polymers are important for the origin of life, yet few experimental examples of such reactions exist.
RNA ligation
![Type II tRNA evolved via RNA ligation and a 9 nt internal deletion within ligated 3′- and 5′-acceptor stems [42]. Also, 3 31 nt minihelices (one D loop minihelix (magenta 17 nt core) and two anticodon stem-loop-stem minihelices (blue 17 nt core)) were fused by ligation for minihelix replication. The 93 nt tRNA precursor was processed by an internal 9 nt deletion (see below) within fused 3′-acceptor (yellow) and 5′-acceptor (green) stems. In the type II tRNA structure, the red arrow indicates the fusion of the magenta segment (17 nt D loop minihelix core; UAGCC repeat) and the green segment (5′-acceptor stem fragment; initially GGCGG). Abbreviations: SLS) stem-loop-stem; Ac) anticodon. Molecular graphics were created using ChimeraX [43]. -- Life](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The331NucleotideMinihelix.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
The 3 31 Nucleotide Minihelix tRNA Evolution Theorem and the Origin of Life
There are no theorems (proven theories) in the biological sciences. We propose that the 3 31 nt minihelix tRNA evolution theorem be universally accepted as one.
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
RNA-catalyzed RNA Ligation Within Prebiotically Plausible Model Protocells
Demonstrating RNA catalysis within prebiotically relevant models of primordial cells (protocells) remains a challenge in Origins of life research.