Self-Replicating RNA Sheds Light on Origins of Life and Evolution

Self-replicating RNA molecules were found by scientists from Japan in a new study. They then created a similar molecule that can imitate the mechanisms and emergence of complex life-like systems.

The discovery of the self-replicating RNA molecule added to the current scientific perspective and growing evidence that the origins of life are a result of abiogenesis and evolution.

Self-Replicating RNA and Evolution

(Photo : Phil Nijhuis/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

In the new study published in Nature Communications on Friday, March 18, researchers from the University of Tokyo in Japan discovered and created a self-replicating RNA molecule that can copy and produce complex life-like systems for the first time.

The findings in the study are considered to be the first evidence that biological molecules can contribute to the origins or emergence of diversified life-like systems.

It also shedded light on how a single molecule can transform into a complex one.

Also Read: Researchers Offer Novel Findings On The Origins Of Life

Where Did Life Come From?

The formation of Earth around 4.5 billion years ago has led to a cascade of violent yet necessary geological and climatical changes on the planet.

The once harsh environment has transformed into a tolerable environment, including hospitable temperatures, as per NASA.

Natural geological phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions and tectonic plate movements, have shaped the landscape of today.

Meanwhile, climatical phenomena, such as the emergence of oxygen and other gases have constructed an atmosphere suitable to support life.

However, these gradual natural events have not answered the life-long questions surrounding what factors allowed for the origins of life on Earth to take place.

Abiogenesis and The Great Filter Theory

The new study by University of Tokyo researchers highlights the concept of abiogenesis, a biological natural process of life arising from the state of lifelessness.

In summary, abiogenesis is the emergence of life from a non-living matter.

Nevertheless, this circumstance is where The Great Filter Theory comes in, which tackles the possibility that life might have formed if it passes through a so-called "Great Filter" and is the basis of the Fermi Paradox.

The Great Filter can mean any natural or artificial factors that can prevent the formation of life or cause the extinction of current civilization, as per Astronomy.com.

The theoretical underpinnings of the Fermi Paradox, in relation to theory, were first proposed by Nobel laureate and Italian physicist Enrico Fermi in 1950 when he reportedly asked his colleagues about the whereabouts of other lifeforms beyond Earth.

Until today, the scientific community considers the emergence of life on Earth as an extremely rare occurrence.

Self-replicating RNA may have been an evident manifestation of abiogenesis, in the case of Earth, has become possible since scientists claim that our planet has passed The Great Filter.

This feat has likely prompted abiogenesis and evolution.

Tip of the Iceberg

Despite our current knowledge of abiogenesis, evolution, and The Great Filter Theory, the understanding of science toward the origins is just the tip of the iceberg.

This is evident as scientists are still unable to directly answer and explain how life on Earth emerged, according to a research article by the Georgia Institute of Technology (GATECH).

In relation to The Great Filter Theory, the GATECH research article highlighted the prevailing concepts from other studies on what are the necessary requirements for the origins of life and principles for life's evolution by natural selection.

Based on the article, carbon, molecular segregation in the environment, energy, and hereditary mechanisms, are some of the requirements for the emergence of life to take place.

Regardless of the scientific theoretical obstacles, the discovery and creation of the self-replicating RNA by researchers in Japan can be the first step toward our further understanding not only of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution but also the origins of life.