Hello there, curious mind! Today we'll be venturing into the exciting world of biology, and, specifically, into the mysteries of RNA and its early significance in evolution. Grab your magnifying glasses and detective hats because we're about to dive in!

You know DNA - the famous blueprint of life that resides within our cells. But did you know there's another player called RNA? This unsung hero of biology also stores information, much like our beloved DNA.

RNA may have been the first genetic material to ever exist.

🤯 Here's why we think so

• RNA is a catalyst: Unlike DNA, RNA doesn't need enzymes (those magical speeding-up-chemical-reactions molecules) to replicate. RNA is like a super-powered version of a factory worker who can clone itself!

• RNA has a high mutation rate: Some viruses, like the notorious coronaviruses (COVID-19, anyone?), use RNA as their genetic material. The reason? RNA tends to mutate a lot, thanks to its slightly wonky polymerase enzyme that's more error-prone than the one DNA uses.

Imagine a virus as a sneaky spy. Its ability to frequently change its appearance (high mutation rate) allows it to slip past the body's immune system, keeping it from being recognized and destroyed.

However, if you're a complex organism like a human with thousands of genes, you'd want stability (low mutation rate) in your genetic material. Hence, DNA became the preferred choice.

You've probably been told that proteins are the only catalysts in living organisms. Well, turns out RNA loves to break rules and can also act as a catalyst, or, as scientists like to call it, a 'ribozyme'!

Picture a ribosome, the protein factory in our cells. The core of its large subunit is composed of two RNA molecules. These undercover agents work together to join amino acids and create a polypeptide, the building block of proteins.

RNA achieves this because it can form intricate 3D structures and interact with other molecules in very specific ways. So, who said enzymes had all the fun?