From formamide to RNA: the roles of formamide and water in the evolution of chemical information

Res Microbiol. 2009 Sep;160(7):441-8. doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2009.06.001. Epub 2009 Jun 25.

Abstract

In pursuing the origin of informational polymers, we followed the assumption that their spontaneous formation could only have occurred: (i) if all the components were present at the same site and in the same reaction, and (ii) if the thermodynamics of the processes involved favored a polymerized over a monomeric state of the precursors. A plausible scenario satisfying both assumptions is provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Evolution, Chemical*
  • Formamides*
  • Origin of Life
  • RNA*
  • Water*

Substances

  • Formamides
  • Water
  • formamide
  • RNA