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The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
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Ribozyme-mediated RNA synthesis and replication in a model Hadean microenvironment.

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Early RNA replication on heated air-water interfaces, driven by oscillating conditions, allowed for sustained RNA synthesis and ribozyme catalysis, potentially explaining early life

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Area of Science:

  • Origin of life studies
  • RNA world hypothesis
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Enzyme-catalyzed nucleic acid replication is crucial for life.
  • RNA likely served as the primary genetic material before proteins.
  • Sustained RNA replication is experimentally challenging due to RNA stability issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate RNA replication and synthesis in a simulated early Earth environment.
  • To explore the potential of heated air-water interfaces for RNA-dependent RNA replication.
  • To demonstrate template-dependent synthesis and catalysis of functional ribozymes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a group I intron derivative as a model RNA replicase.
  • Employed heated air-water interfaces under a CO2-rich atmosphere.
  • Observed reactions driven by autonomous oscillations in salt concentration and pH.

Main Results:

  • Achieved sense and antisense RNA replication in a one-pot reaction.
  • Demonstrated template-dependent synthesis and catalysis of a functional ribozyme.
  • Identified autonomous oscillations in salt and pH as key drivers, destabilizing RNA duplexes.

Conclusions:

  • Heated air-water interfaces in Hadean environments could support RNA replication and synthesis.
  • Oscillating conditions are crucial for overcoming RNA duplex stability and enabling sustained reactions.
  • This provides a plausible mechanism for the emergence of functional RNAs in early Earth conditions.