Catalysis in prebiotic chemistry: application to the synthesis of RNA oligomers

The role of catalysis in prebiotic synthesis is illustrated using the montmorillonite clay catalyzed synthesis of RNA oligomers. Reaction of activated monomers of nucleotides in pH 8 aqueous solution containing Mg2þ in the presence of montmorillonite yields 6–14 mers. The reaction takes place at the clay interlayer. The catalyst controls the synthesis of RNA oligomers in that a limited number of sequences are formed, there is control on the selectivity of phosphodiester bond formation and there is homochiral selectivity. Oligomers of length greater than 40 mers can be formed in reactions where the activated monomer is added daily to a primer. The need for catalysis in prebiotic synthesis is discussed. 2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.