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The evolutionary transition from RNA to DNA in early cells
A Lazcano1, R Guerrero, L Margulis
1Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, IPN, México, Distrito Federal.
Journal of Molecular Evolution
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Genetic material evolved from RNA to DNA. Evidence suggests RNA preceded DNA, with DNA later selected to stabilize early RNA-protein systems for more robust genetic information storage.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Genetic material evolution involves stages: nucleic acid-like molecules, RNA genomes, and DNA genomes.
- The transition from RNA to DNA as the primary genetic material is a key event in cellular evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the evolutionary transition from RNA to double-stranded DNA genomes.
- To explore the selective pressures favoring DNA over RNA for genetic information storage.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the properties of nucleic acid molecules.
- Examination of biochemical pathways and molecular functions.
- Hypothetical reconstruction of early cellular evolution.
Main Results:
- Protein synthesis requires RNA but not DNA, supporting RNA's earlier role.
- RNA possesses catalytic properties (ribozymes).
- Ubiquitous ribonucleotide cofactors and deoxyribonucleotide synthesis from ribonucleotides indicate RNA's foundational role.
Conclusions:
- The 'RNA prior to DNA' hypothesis is supported by multiple lines of evidence.
- DNA was likely selected to enhance the stability of RNA-protein replicating systems.
- Understanding the evolution of deoxyribose, thymine, and DNA proofreading provides further support.