HL A2.1 An RNA World
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What problem does the RNA world hypothesis solve?
The chicken-and-egg problem where DNA needs enzymes and enzymes need DNA.
Why is RNA suitable as the first genetic molecule?
RNA can store information and act as a catalyst (ribozymes).
What are ribozymes?
RNA molecules with enzymatic activity that catalyse reactions, including RNA replication.
What evidence supports the RNA world hypothesis?
Discovery of ribozymes, RNA replication, and RNA’s role in protein synthesis (ribosomes).
What is PNA and why is it important?
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) may have acted as a template for early RNA formation.
How did mutation lead to early evolution?
Replication errors created variation; more efficient ribozymes replicated faster and became more common.