Egg and chicken and independent molecule

2009/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biokimika
• Genetika

The laboratory creates a molecule capable of doubling without help to clarify the origin of life

At present, life is based on DNA and its ability to duplicate. However, DNA needs a group of enzymes for its duplication and DNA is necessary for its formation. How does life arise then? That is the paradox of chicken and egg.

Leslie Orgel, biochemist, proposed that the key is in the RNA. RNA transmits genetic information and catalyzes chemical reactions. In addition, earlier this year, researchers from the Scripps Research Institute of the United States demonstrated that small fragments of RNA are able to catalyze their own duplication.

Now, in this same institute, they have taken another step and, starting from simple sugars, they have synthesized molecules similar to DNA and RNA. These molecules are able to reproduce without need of more. That yes, they change very quickly and, therefore, it is not clear whether from one generation to another would be able to transmit genetic information. Anyway, the authors believe that they have done an interesting job to clarify the paradox of chicken and egg.