coledude writes:
Where does this magical self-replicating RNA molecule come from? And if DNA is more stable, why do we still have RNA, and why can't DNA do everything RNA can if DNA is more evolved? RNA can serve more functions. The simple fact is that DNA is useless without RNA--because DNA is not self replicating because it has no enzyme activity, and RNA cannot replicate itself without DNA either.
I remember writing about the same thing. You can find it
Message 42. I will quote myself on the RNA section only.
quote:
The hypothesis suggests that the first replicating organic material were short strands of RNA. Laboratory experiments have shown that nucleotide monomers can naturally assemble into RNA molecules without divine intervention. This process happens without the presence of cells or enzymes. As you can imagine, the result is a pool of RNA strands. Now, what scientists have also observed is that some of these RNA strands actually self replicate without any help from anything whatsoever. Again, no divine intervention necessary.
With that said, who said RNA can't replicate themselves?
This message has been edited by Lam, 05-13-2004 10:45 PM
The Laminator
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