Case for an RNA-prion world: a hypothesis based on conformational diversity

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Origin of Life Studies
• Structural Biology

Background:

• Prions and misfolded proteins are known to transfer structural and functional information to normal molecules.
• The traditional
• RNA World
• hypothesis posits RNA as the primary molecule in the pre-biotic era.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the co-existence of RNA and prions in the pre-biotic world.
• To challenge the sole
• RNA World
• hypothesis by introducing a more comprehensive model.

Main Methods:

• Thorough structural assessment of RNA, prions, and misfolded proteins.
• Analysis of conformational diversity among these molecules.
• Examination of the evolution of physical aspects of biochemical structures.

Main Results:

• Structural analysis reveals potential for RNA and prion co-existence.
• Conformational diversity supports the interaction and co-evolution of RNA and prions.
• Physical evolution of biochemical structures points to a combined RNA-prion system.

Conclusions:

• The pre-biotic world likely involved both RNA and prions, forming an
• RNA-prion World
• .
• This model offers a broader perspective on the origin of life than the
• RNA World
• hypothesis alone.