the RNA world hypothesis

The RNA world hypothesis suggests that life may have begun with RNA molecules, which are similar to DNA but can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions. Unlike DNA, which primarily serves as a blueprint for building proteins, RNA can act like an enzyme, facilitating its own replication. This dual capability may have allowed early forms of life to evolve and adapt in a primordial environment. Over time, these RNA-based systems could have led to the development of DNA and proteins, forming the complex life we see today.