- Because of its catalytic activity, it has been hypothesized that RNA evolutionarily was carrying out early life activities before DNA. 
How is this possible? 
- Nucleic acids can synthesize themselves, and coenzymes in other biosynthesis processes are made of RNA nucleotides. i.e. ATP and NAD+
- It is likely that the RNA were original biological catalysts in precellular times in an RNA world. 
- RNA also carries genetic information in viruses
- RNA is used in all domains of life (Eukarya, Eubacteria, and Archaea)  


Evolutionary Theory: RNA World 

- At least nine naturally occurring catalytic RNAs are known, one of which are ribozymes. 
- Frequently participate in RNA metabolism/processing. 
- rRNA catalyzes the peptide bonds in the production of proteins. 


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- Most commonly single stranded but can be double stranded as well 
- RNA contains ribose sugar which contains an extra OH group compared to DNA (deoxyribose) 
- RNA can form more shapes and conformations than DNA and it can be catalytic
- All RNA come from DNA template however, because it can bind to the DNA template. 


RNA structure

Voet, D., Voet, J. G., & Pratt, C. W. (2013). Chapter 26: Transcription and RNA Processing. In Fundamentals of biochemistry: Life at the molecular level (4th ed., pp. 919-957). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from archive.org.

Fundamental of biochemistry: Life of the molecular level 4th edition: Chapter 26

Voet, D., Voet, J. G., & Pratt, C. W. (2013). Chapter 24: Nucleic Acid Structure. In Fundamentals of biochemistry: Life at the molecular level (4th ed., pp. 821-861). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from archive.org.

Fundamental of biochemistry: Life of the molecular level 4th edition: Chapter 24

- 5S RNA is the subunit of bacterial ribosomes 
- 2/3 of bases in 5S rRNA contain base pairing interactions 


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