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RNA evolution and the origins of life

Nature volume 338, pages 217–224 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

The evolution of RNA is likely to have played an important role in the very early history of life on Earth but it is doubtful that life began with RNA. Consideration of what came before RNA must take into account relevant information from geochemistry, prebiotic chemistry and nucleic acid biochemistry.

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  1. Department of Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, 10666North Torrey Pines Road, LaJolla, California, 92037, USA

    Gerald F. Joyce

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Joyce, G. RNA evolution and the origins of life. Nature 338, 217–224 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/338217a0

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