Circularity and self-cleavage as a strategy for the emergence of a chromosome in the RNA-based protocell.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is now popularly accepted that an "RNA world" existed in early evolution. During division of RNA-based protocells, random distribution of individual genes (simultaneously as ribozymes) between offspring might have resulted in gene loss, especially when the number of gene types increased. Therefore, the emergence of a chromosome carrying linked genes was critical for the prosperity of the RNA world. However, there were quite a few immediate difficulties for this event to occur. For example, a chromosome would be much longer than individual genes, and thus more likely to degrade and less likely to replicate completely; the copying of the chromosome might start at middle sites and be only partial; and, without a complex transcription mechanism, the synthesis of distinct

SUBMITTER: Ma W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3765326 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature