Answer to Question #18875 in Biochemistry for Jessica P

Question

How are self-replicating molecules, such as RNA molecules in the “RNA World” hypothesis, essential to the most popular hypotheses about the origin of life on Earth?

Answer 1

Most theories of the origin of life consider RNA molecules, which
possess ribozymes activity as a primary self-replicating molecules
that gave rise to the development of life on Earth. Results of the
study two hypothetical groups of ribozymes are the basis of modern
ideas about the origin of life. First of all, this is an RNA
replicase, constructed entirely of ribonucleotides. This assumption
seems particularly attractive,because the ancient RNA molecules could
store genetic information and have enzymatic activity necessary for
the reproduction of this information. This combination of properties
in the RNA molecule can explain how the catalytic functions performed
by modern protein molecules, as well as a function of storage and
transmission of genetic information occurred simultaneously and could
be present in a single precursor molecule ancestors of modern cells.
Theories of the origin of life which based on the original
participation of RNA molecules in the creation of self-replicating
systems found strong support in connection with the opening splicing
and ribozymes.