Philippe Nghe -- A path for the origin of evolution in the RNA world.

A path for the origin of evolution in the RNA world.

 

The RNA world hypothesis stipulates that protocells relied on RNA as an information carrier and catalyst, instead of DNA and proteins, respectively. However, it remains unclear how evolution would have started in such a system. Based on recent findings of our group and others, I will describe a possible path from small RNA oligomers to a progressive self-organization of chemical reactions into evolving compartments, endowed with the basic attributes of life.