Article Title

RNA World and The Development of RNA Protocells

Authors

Benjamin C. Mayfield, University of North FloridaFollow

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Arthur Omran, Lecturer

Faculty Mentor Department

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Abstract

Origins of life research, also known as pre-biotic chemistry or astrobiology, aims to unravel the mystery of the first cell’s origin on Earth. This interdisciplinary field encompasses biology, chemistry, and physics, with the primary goal of understanding the conditions necessary for life to emerge from abiotic environments. The RNA world hypothesis suggests that early life initially used RNA instead of DNA to store genomic information and for enzymatic functions. Protocells, membrane-bound entities with metabolic processes and self-replication capabilities, likely preceded the emergence of true cells. The challenges associated with RNA world is currently an active field of research. Advancements in our understanding of artificial protocells could shed light on the conditions necessary for natural protocell formation as well as the feasibility of an RNA world.

Recommended Citation

Mayfield, Benjamin C. (2023) "RNA World and The Development of RNA Protocells," PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 15.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/pandion_unf/vol4/iss1/15