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Exon-intron-like pattern of the first propagating molecule?
1Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Seagram Center for Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rehovot, Israel.
Journal of Molecular Evolution
|December 1, 1989
Summary
This study proposes a model for the gradual evolution of self-replicating RNA-like molecules from simple domain propagation to complete strand replication. This scenario suggests early coevolution with prebiotic peptides, offering a testable hypothesis for early life origins.
Area of Science:
- Origin of Life studies
- Biogeochemistry
- Molecular Evolution
Background:
- Prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life remain significant scientific challenges.
- Understanding the emergence of self-replicating molecules is crucial for explaining life's beginnings.
- Previous models have explored RNA and peptide coevolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a biogeochemical scenario for the gradual evolution of prebiotic self-replication.
- To describe hypothetical replicating entities (prebioectons) with self-structuring properties.
- To suggest an early coevolution of replicating molecules with prebiotic peptides.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical biogeochemical model for prebiotic replication.
- Conceptualizing prebioectons as evolving entities with templatable domains.
- Integrating the cassette model of Cedergren and Grosjean (1987) for molecular evolution.
Main Results:
- A gradual evolutionary pathway from domain propagation to entire strand replication is proposed.
- Prebioectons are characterized by self-structuring, implying early molecular organization.
- The model suggests a strong link between early RNA-like molecules and prebiotic peptides.
Conclusions:
- The proposed scenario offers a plausible route for the emergence of self-replication in prebiotic environments.
- Early coevolution with peptides is a key feature of this model for life's origins.
- The theoretical framework is amenable to partial laboratory testing and validation.