Tiny, 45 base long RNA can make copies of itself
SMRTR summary
Scientists discovered a tiny 45-base RNA molecule called QT-45 that can make copies of itself, representing a major breakthrough in understanding how life began on Earth. This self-replicating RNA, though slow and error-prone, demonstrates how early life could have emerged without proteins, using only RNA for both genetic storage and catalytic functions.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Ars Technica.
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