Life began with RNA

Vlassov Valentin and Vlassov Alexander

Studies of nucleic acids are among the “hottest spots” of biology. Due to its unique properties, RNA application in medicine and engineering is ever expanding. But the public is unaware of this fact.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is not as popular as its close “relative” deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), though their chemical structure has much in common. However, the research discoveries made over the last two decades have radically changed our understanding of the role and function of these “skilful” molecules. These findings yielded a fundamentally new concept suggesting that the modern life was preceded by an absolutely self-sufficient RNA world.

New knowledge usually expands the horizons and generates plenty of new questions. How does “evolution” work in the world of RNA? Why, whence and how did DNA and proteins appear? How did the “world of RNA” turn into the modern world? Academician Valentin Vlassov and his son Alexander Vlassov, Ph.D. in Chemistry, tell about some results of the thrilling quest in this field.

More information on these and other subjects you can find in the printed version of our journal.