| Literature DB >> 6462693 |
D Bloch, B McArthur, R Widdowson, D Spector, R C Guimaraes, J Smith.
Abstract
A model is proposed for the early evolution of the coding mechanism. A primordial RNA embodies the functions of today's nucleic acids in a single molecule. The molecule is generated by successive rounds of self-priming and -templating. After proximity is assured by enclosure in a cell, the functions can be partitioned among more efficient specialized molecules. The prediction of sequence homologies in later forms prompted a search for matches between t- and r-RNAs. These are described. Their distributions offer clues to their origins. The existance of overlapping homologies indicates an approach to the reconstruction of an ancestral molecule.Entities:
Mesh:
Substances:
Year: 1984 PMID: 6462693 DOI: 10.1007/bf00933706
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Orig Life ISSN: 0302-1688