Context
According to a recent study by researchers, the two basic components of life, RNA (ribonucleic acid) and amino acids, may have combined under circumstances similar to those on early Earth around four billion years ago.
Key Highlights
- This finding improves our understanding of how the interaction between genes and proteins may have originated.
- Researchers discovered that amino acids may bind directly to RNA in water at a neutral pH using just basic prebiotic chemistry, without the need for enzymes.
- This thiol molecule (pantetheine) initially interacted with the amino acids to produce a thioester, a high-energy intermediate, which subsequently transferred the amino acid. to the conclusion of the RNA chain.
- Peptide formation: The same system generated short peptides (chains of two or more amino acids) once amino acids were bound to RNA (aminoacyl-RNA). acids) devoid of enzymes and proteins.
- This points to a possible early route towards proteins.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a basic biomolecule that is necessary for all forms of existence. In addition to carrying genetic information, it carries out regulatory and catalytic activities and aids in protein production.
- It is functionally more adaptable but less chemically stable than DNA.
- Nucleotides: The building blocks of RNA are nucleotides, each of which is composed of a phosphate group, a ribose sugar, and one of four nitrogenous bases.
- RNA often exists as a single strand, in contrast to DNA’s double helix. Yet, it can bend into intricate three-dimensional shapes with loops and helices.
- The four nitrogenous bases that make up RNA are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
Amino Acid
- A fundamental component of proteins is an organic molecule called an amino acid.
- They can be utilized as a source of energy for the body when carbohydrates and fats are not easily accessible.
- Types of amino acids: The human body contains twenty common amino acids that combine to create proteins.
Relevance to Theories of the Origin of Life
- The results successfully connect two different theoretical frameworks;
- The RNA Universe Hypothesis: Suggests that the earliest “life-like” forms were self-replicating RNA molecules, which carried genetic data and carried out catalytic activities.
- The Thioester World (Metabolism-First) Hypothesis: Proposes that before the development of genetic systems, energy-rich thioester molecules were the driving force behind early metabolic processes.
Source: The Hindu
Prelims PYQ
Q. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for (2020)
(a) fertilization of the egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
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