It turns out that fragments of RNA can catalyze chemical reactions, the way enzymes do. These fragments are now called "ribozymes".
Some theories hold that RNA was the basis of the precursors to DNA-based life. Whether the RNA ecosystem was the first ecosystem to arise, or whether it took over from a more basic living system is yet to be determined.
In any event, it should probably not be too surprising (at least in hindsight) that evolution would take advantage of some functions of existing molecules, even if others are completely supplanted by more efficient systems.
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It turns out that fragments of RNA can catalyze chemical reactions, the way enzymes do. These fragments are now called "ribozymes".
Some theories hold that RNA was the basis of the precursors to DNA-based life. Whether the RNA ecosystem was the first ecosystem to arise, or whether it took over from a more basic living system is yet to be determined.
In any event, it should probably not be too surprising (at least in hindsight) that evolution would take advantage of some functions of existing molecules, even if others are completely supplanted by more efficient systems.
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And I would be very very happy if they'd come in and turn off my [expletive deleted] allergy genes.
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