THE RNA-WORLD AND COEVOLUTION HYPOTHESES AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE - IMPLICATIONS, RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND PERSPECTIVES

The applicability of the RNA-world and co-evolution hypotheses to the study of the very first stages of the origin of life is discussed. The discussion focuses on the basic differences between the two hypothese s and their implications, with regard to the reconstruction methodolog y, ribosome emergence, balance between ribozymes and protein enzymes, and their major difficulties. Additional complexities of the two hypot heses, such as membranes and the energy source of the first reactions, are not treated in the present work. A central element in the propose d experimental strategies is the study of the catalytic activities of very small peptides and RNA-like oligomers, according to existing, as well as to yet-to-be-invented scenarios of the two hypotheses under co nsideration. It is suggested that the novel directed molecular evoluti on technology, and molecular computational modelling, can be applied t o this research. This strategy is assumed to be essential for the sugg ested goal of future studies of the origin of life, namely, the establ ishment of a 'Primordial Darwinian entity'.