Catalysing mirror life

Chembiochem. 2015 Apr 13;16(6):899-901. doi: 10.1002/cbic.201500010. Epub 2015 Mar 4.

Abstract

Origin of life: Although current life is homochiral (with D nucleic acids), little is known about how homochirality emerged or even if it was a necessary step. The isolation of cross-chiral nucleic acid ligases demonstrate that an early heterochiral life could have been possible.

Keywords: RNA world; directed evolution; origin of life; ribozyme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism*
  • RNA / biosynthesis*
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA, Catalytic / chemistry*
  • RNA, Catalytic / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Catalytic
  • RNA
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases