Re: Article: RNA enzyme structure offers a glimpse into the origins

In article <etike3$15ab$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Tim Tyler <seemysig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Robert Karl Stonjek quoted from
http://www.physorg.com/news93190714.html:

RNA enzyme structure offers a glimpse into the origins of life

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have determined the
three-dimensional structure of an RNA enzyme, or "ribozyme," that carries
out a fundamental reaction required to make new RNA molecules. Their results
provide insight into what may have been the first self-replicating molecule
to arise billions of years ago on the evolutionary path toward the emergence
of life.

In all forms of life known today, the synthesis of DNA and RNA molecules is
carried out by enzymes made of proteins. The instructions for making those
proteins are contained in genes made of DNA or RNA (nucleic acids). The
circularity of this process poses a challenge for theories about the origins
of life.

In a word, scaffolding - e.g.:

Refuting Michael Behe's "Irreducible Complexity" with Roman Arches

When it comes to ribosomes, Behe's fantasies were refuted well before
Behe got them, in 1970s, where it was shown that individual components
of ribosomes gradually contribute to the spontaneous polypeptide synthesis.

"Which came first, nucleic acids or proteins? This question once seemed an
intractable paradox, but with the discovery of ribozymes, it is now possible
to imagine a prebiotic 'RNA World' in which self-replicating ribozymes
accomplished both tasks," said William Scott, associate professor of
chemistry and biochemistry at UC Santa Cruz.

A *prebiotic* RNA world?!?

That would be 'prebiotic' in the sense used by the
yogurt drink manufacturers - and not in the sense of:

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=prebiotic

Bill uses the term as it is used by most biologists: prebiotic = precellular

DK

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Article: The Origin of Life
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  • Re: Article: RNA enzyme structure offers a glimpse into the origins
    ... Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have determined the ... three-dimensional structure of an RNA enzyme, or "ribozyme," that carries ... out a fundamental reaction required to make new RNA molecules. ... intractable paradox, but with the discovery of ribozymes, it is now possible ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
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