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Scientists Simulate the First Ever RNA Self-Replication Process
- Scientists at UCL and MRC LMB have unveiled a groundbreaking mechanism for RNA self-replication on early Earth, addressing a fundamental mystery in science.
- The research introduces a plausible chemical pathway using triplet RNA building blocks to overcome challenges in replicating RNA strands in prebiotic conditions.
- By inducing separation of RNA duplexes through acid and heat cycles, the team simulated conditions resembling those on the Hadean Earth.
- The innovative approach allowed for the preservation of single RNA strands accessible for templated replication by preventing re-annealing.
- Through a process of thawing and freezing, the team replicated RNA strands without enzymatic assistance, mimicking natural environmental scenarios on early Earth.
- The study highlights the significance of non-enzymatic RNA replication under simple conditions in prebiotic evolution and emphasizes the importance of information transfer in life's definition.
- The use of triplet RNA building blocks offers a stable yet reversible binding mechanism, potentially representing ancestral biochemical tools for early life.
- The research underscores the environmental specificity required for RNA replication, noting the impact of saltwater and high temperatures on the process.
- Furthermore, the study complements previous research on prebiotic chemistry, providing insights into the molecular dawn of life and bridging the gap between chemistry and biology.
- In conclusion, the study sheds light on how RNA replication could have occurred on early Earth, contributing to the understanding of life's origins and evolutionary processes.
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