The RNA World


The flow of genetic information goes from DNA to RNA, and from RNA to proteins. The question is how could the first proteins be made if they are needed for transcription and translation? The hypothesis of the RNA world suggests that catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) may have preceded proteins. This lecture will briefly describe the origins of life and emphasize the importance of ribozymes, their mode of action and their roles in today's world. The mechanism of RNAi interference, the importance of non coding RNAs and the implications of RNA technology will be discussed during the following sessions.