Origin of genetically encoded protein synthesis: a model based on selection for RNA peptidation

The difficulty in explaining the origin of genetic coding centres on the need to identify selective advantages that could account for the synthesis of peptidyl-tRNA, the essential intermediate in genetically programmed translation. It is resolved by a recognition of the functional advantages derivable from the post-transcriptional addition of peptide cofactors to RNA apo-catalysts. This enables the formulation of a theory for the origin of the genetic encoding of protein synthesis by RNA.