From RNA to DNA

(Science Channel)

Scientist speculation has born the notion that DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, had not formed on its own. It has been concluded that over the millions and billions of years, DNA has evolved from something of almost the same complexity. RNA, ribonucleic acid, the single-stranded relative of DNA which made up the first genetic material was in fact a primeval version of DNA itself. The process in which the RNA residing in the first living organisms also known as Protobionts would copy itself in order to reproduce encountered a copying error. It is thought to have been that the RNA did not split from one another once it had copied itself.

This confounding process, in which DNA was created, has intrigued scientists since the discovery of nucleic acids in 1868. Within the earliest stages, scientists tried simply using a burner to concoct the RNA in a pot, but found their plights unsuccessful. Instead, they began to see how they must attempt to recreate the circumstances under which RNA was first formed in order to recreate the phenomenon itself. All the variables that had been forgotten in the excitement were finally being taken into account. Rain, wind, sun, all of these playing a part in the original creation, and yet, omitted in the reincarnation.


Ming and Rob

Science Channel. (n.d.). From RNA to DNA [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/through-the-wormhole/videos/ through-the-wormhole-from-rna-to-dna.htm

CrashCorse. (2012, November 5). The History of Life on Earth - Crash Course Ecology #1 [Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/sjE-Pkjp3u4