The Dawn of the RNA World: RNA Polymerization from Monoribonucleotides under Prebiotically Plausible Conditions

The polymerization of RNA molecules from abiotically synthesized monoribonucleotides is a critical step in the emergence of a metabolism centered on the dual functions of RNA (genetic information repository and catalyst), which is postulated in the RNA-World hypothesis. This chapter presents recent achievements in the area of non-enzymatic RNA polym­ erization and assesses their significance in the light of the de novo emergence of the RNA World.