We all know DNA and RNA are self replicating molecules that encode genetic information in the sequence of bases. Hence their status as the "basic molecules of life".
So, what other (synthetic) self-replicating molecules exist that would be capable of encoding a specific sequence of momomeric units? Have any ever been synthesised?
Could any be the basis of life on planets with a different chemistry, or are aliens all going to be (boringly) based on nucleic acids?
2006-08-28 07:43:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Well, there is PNA
2006-08-28 08:23:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Due to the nature of a self replicating molecule there are a limited number of requirements for thier existence. there must be some means of encoding data (the base pairs in DNA/RNA), some method of linking these encoding elements (the sugar-phosphate backbone in DNA/RNA) and the ability to dissociate (the weak binding in DNA/RNA) so that replication can take place. Carbon can form an infinite number of chemical substances and so it is probable that there are an infinite number of possible self replicating molecules.
2006-08-28 09:32:06 · answer #2 · answered by zebbedee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Silicon chemistry has the chemical versitility to act like carbonaceous based nucleic acid chemistry. (D.N.
A., R.N.A., protein equivalents). Some oligo proteins are mfg.d without the use of nucleic acids. Ribosomes mfg the antibiotic gramicidin S (12 amino acid protein), without any nucleic acid help or guidance. It seems to be a primitive pre-D.N.A. synthesis, & hereditary mechanism that has survived.
Hope that gets your creative juices flowing.
Dan.
2006-08-28 07:54:35 · answer #3 · answered by Dan S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prions are self-replicating within the environment of a living thing.
2006-08-28 07:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by Brian L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh, you're making me think too hard! Haha...not looking forward to going back to college! My brain is broken!
2006-08-28 08:36:12 · answer #5 · answered by starla_o0 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NBA?
oh, that is basketball thing, sorry, wrong entry, get 2 points though.
2006-08-28 07:52:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
JNA and SNA come to mind.
2006-08-28 07:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by jake cigar™ is retired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be buggered if I know?
2006-08-28 07:50:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
not got a f**** clue
2006-08-28 07:53:40 · answer #9 · answered by mad manc 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
thanks for 2 points...
2006-08-28 07:45:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋