The Scripps Research Institute reports in-vitro catalytic conversion of RNA enzyme to DNA enzyme providing a snapshot of early evolutionary process.

“This “evolutionary conversion” provides a modern-day snapshot of how life as we understand it may have first evolved out of the earliest primordial mix of RNA-like molecules—sometimes referred to as the “pre-RNA world”—into a more complex form of RNA-based life (or the “RNA world”) and eventually to cellular life based on DNA and proteins.”

For the study, an RNA ribozyme was converted to a corresponding deoxyribozyme through in vitro evolution. The ribozyme was first prepared as a DNA molecule of the same RNA sequence but with no detectable catalytic activity. A large number of randomized variations of this DNA were prepared, and repeated cycles of in vitro evolution were carried out. The result was a deoxyribozyme with about the same level of catalytic activity as the original ribozyme.

Interesting in itself and remarkable. But the article also says; “The resulting molecules have interesting catalytic properties, they teach us something new about evolution, and they have potential application as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.”

It is quite tiring to hear about these new “potential therapeutic and diagnostic agents”. Looks like there is no study in biology without possible applications in medicine. Could someone please come up with simple discovery that is just plain simple curious?