In a Perspective, researchers propose that modified nucleobases, which are different from the canonical nucleobases that make up DNA and RNA, could have stabilized a variety of short RNA molecule structures under prebiotic conditions while also providing catalytic activity, thereby increasing the breadth of structures and functions available to short RNAs and facilitating the emergence of rudimentary self-replicating systems.
Article #18-09041: "Modified nucleotides may have enhanced early RNA catalysis," by Steven K. Wolk et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Gold, SomaLogic, Inc., Boulder, CO; tel: 303-625-2060; e-mail: lgold@somalogic.com
###
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences