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Related Concept Videos

Genome Copying Errors02:46

Genome Copying Errors

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DNA replication is a well-evolved process that copies millions of base pairs with high fidelity during each cell division. Occasionally a wrong base or a long stretch of wrong bases may get added to the daughter strands. If the errors are left unchecked, cells might accumulate several mutations that might endanger their  survival. Therefore, the copying errors are checked and repaired at three levels.
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RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Using the FishSim Animation Toolchain to Investigate Fish Behavior: A Case Study on Mate-Choice Copying In Sailfin Mollies
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RNA comes close to copying itself.

Robert F Service

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |February 12, 2026
    PubMed
    Summary

    Certain RNA molecules can form mirror-image structures, indicating that similar self-replicating molecules may have been crucial for the origin of life on Earth.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Origin of Life Studies
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • The origin of life requires self-replicating molecules.
    • RNA is a candidate molecule for early life due to its catalytic and genetic properties.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential for RNA molecules to form mirror-image structures (enantiomers).
    • To explore the implications of RNA mirror-image formation for the origin of life.

    Main Methods:

    • Computational modeling of RNA folding and self-replication.
    • Analysis of chemical pathways for RNA mirror-image synthesis.

    Main Results:

    • Demonstrated that some RNA sequences can indeed form stable mirror-image structures.

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  • Identified potential prebiotic conditions favoring the formation of chiral RNA.

    • Conclusions:

    • The ability of RNA to form mirror images supports the hypothesis that chiral molecules played a key role in abiogenesis.
    • This finding provides a plausible mechanism for the emergence of homochiral life from a racemic or achiral prebiotic environment.