Scientists have discovered Qt45, a small polymerase ribozyme capable of synthesizing itself, marking a significant advance in understanding RNA-based life. Published in Science, this finding demonstrates how RNA molecules could have replicated themselves in early life forms before the evolution of DNA and proteins.

Ribozymes are RNA molecules with catalytic properties that can accelerate chemical reactions. The Qt45 ribozyme represents one of the smallest known self-replicating RNA enzymes, measuring just 45 nucleotides in length. This compact size makes it particularly interesting for studying the minimal requirements for self-replication and the potential origins of life.

The discovery provides experimental evidence supporting the RNA world hypothesis, which proposes that early life relied on RNA for both genetic information storage and catalytic functions. By demonstrating that a relatively small RNA molecule can catalyze its own synthesis, the research offers insights into how primitive life might have emerged from non-living chemical systems.