RNA: prebiotic product, or biotic invention?

Area of Science:

• Prebiotic chemistry
• Origin of life studies
• Molecular evolution

Background:

• The RNA world hypothesis suggests RNA preceded DNA and proteins.
• Significant advances in molecular biology support the RNA world hypothesis.
• Prebiotic synthesis of RNA remains a challenge for origin of life research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental approaches for prebiotic RNA precursor assembly.
• To explore stereoselective C-C bond formation in prebiotic synthesis.
• To consider the constitutional self-assembly of RNA and its alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent experimental studies on RNA precursor synthesis.
• Focus on aldolisation and related reactions for C-C bond construction.
• Analysis of constitutional self-assembly pathways for RNA.

Main Results:

• Experimental work demonstrates progress in stereoselective C-C bond formation relevant to RNA precursors.
• Aldolisation and related chemistries offer plausible routes to RNA building blocks.
• The study contextualizes these findings within broader self-assembly models.

Conclusions:

• Stereoselective C-C bond formation is crucial for plausible prebiotic RNA synthesis.
• Constitutional self-assembly provides a framework for understanding RNA formation.
• The relative accessibility of RNA versus alternative nucleic acids is discussed.