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Related Concept Videos

Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Simultaneous Mapping and Quantitation of Ribonucleotides in Human Mitochondrial DNA
12:35

Simultaneous Mapping and Quantitation of Ribonucleotides in Human Mitochondrial DNA

Published on: November 14, 2017

Ribonucleotides.

John D Sutherland1

  • 1The University of Manchester, United Kingdom. john.sutherland@manchester.ac.uk <john.sutherland@manchester.ac.uk>

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Synthesizing ribonucleotides, essential for life's origins, faces challenges with canonical nucleobases. This study explores difficulties and proposes a new, high-yielding method for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis under early Earth conditions.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Simultaneous Mapping and Quantitation of Ribonucleotides in Human Mitochondrial DNA
12:35

Simultaneous Mapping and Quantitation of Ribonucleotides in Human Mitochondrial DNA

Published on: November 14, 2017

Studying Ribonucleotide Incorporation: Strand-specific Detection of Ribonucleotides in the Yeast Genome and Measuring Ribonucleotide-induced Mutagenesis
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Studying Ribonucleotide Incorporation: Strand-specific Detection of Ribonucleotides in the Yeast Genome and Measuring Ribonucleotide-induced Mutagenesis

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A Rapid High-throughput Method for Mapping Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) on Human pre-mRNA
13:00

A Rapid High-throughput Method for Mapping Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) on Human pre-mRNA

Published on: December 2, 2009

Area of Science:

  • Prebiotic chemistry
  • Origin of life studies
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ribonucleotides are fundamental building blocks for life.
  • Previous assumptions suggested simple condensation of ribose, nucleobases, and phosphate.
  • Prebiotic synthesis of beta-ribonucleosides has faced significant chemical hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the difficulties in prebiotic nucleobase-ribose condensation.
  • To propose an alternative, high-yielding synthesis for pyrimidine nucleotides.
  • To support theories on RNA's central role in abiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of condensation reactions between nucleobases and ribose under plausible prebiotic conditions.
  • Exploration of chemical pathways for synthesizing pyrimidine nucleotides.
  • Consideration of geochemical scenarios for prebiotic synthesis.

Main Results:

  • Condensation with purine nucleobases is low-yielding.
  • Condensation with canonical pyrimidine nucleobases is unsuccessful.
  • An alternative high-yielding synthesis for pyrimidine nucleotides is presented.

Conclusions:

  • Traditional methods for prebiotic ribonucleotide synthesis are problematic.
  • A novel synthetic route offers a promising alternative for pyrimidine nucleotide formation.
  • Further research on purine synthesis and nucleotide polymerization is needed to fully support RNA-centric origin of life theories.