Catalysis and Prebiotic Synthesis: Steps in the Origin of the RNA World

本研究的重点是确定矿物和金属离子催化在3',5'-与2',5' -磷酸二酯键形成中的作用，以及在模板定向合成RNA中的作用。这些研究将深入了解蒙脱土催化在选择性合成RNA的益生元中的可能作用。使用催化剂来限制在益生元反应中形成的RNA的结构多样性，将导致能够启动生命的那些结构的更多种群。在RNA世界中，这些RNA将具有既能作为核酶又能作为遗传信息存储位点的结构。有了这个更新奖，有机和大分子化学项目支持伦斯勒理工学院化学系的James P. Ferris博士的研究。费里斯教授将专注于探索催化在益生元合成中的作用。这些实验如果成功，将在了解地球上的生命方面取得重大进展。这项工作的发现将引起科学界和公众的极大兴趣。

The focus of this research is to determine the role of mineral and metal ion catalysis in the formation of 3',5'- versus 2',5' -phosphodiester bond formation and in the template-directed synthesis of RNA. These studies will provide insight into the possible role of montmorillonite catalysis in the selective prebiotic synthesis of RNA. The use of catalysts to limit the structural diversity of the RNA formed in prebiotic reactions will result in a greater population of those structures able to initiate life. These RNAs would have the structure capable of both serving as ribozymes and as genetic information storage sites in the proposed RNA world.With this renewal award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. James P. Ferris of the Department of Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Professor Ferris will focus his work on exploring the role of catalysis in prebiotic synthesis. The experiments, if successful, will provide a major advance in the understanding of life on Earth. The findings of this work will be of great interest to both the scientific community and to the general public as well.