Self-assembly of nucleotides and its implications for prebiotic chemistry

Abstract

The self-assembly of nucleotides into RNA is believed to have been a crucial step in the emergence of cellular life. RNA, is a molecule which has a capability to store genetic information as well as catalyse chemical reactions that are essential for cellular processes. The ability of nucleotides to self-assemble would have played an essential role in the emergence of RNA on the prebiotic Earth. The presence of three subunits (a ribose sugar, a nucleobase, and a phosphate group) in its structure would have allowed nucleotides to interact in a variety of different ways. For example, the nucleobases can form hydrogen bonds with one another, creating base pairs that provide the structural basis for the double helix of DNA. Similarly, the phosphate groups can form bonds with the ribose sugars of adjacent nucleotides, creating the backbone of the RNA molecule. The self-assembly of nucleotides is a dynamic process that involves the interaction of multiple molecules and complex chemical interactions. Understanding this process is crucial in unravelling the shift from non-living matter to living organisms on Earth. In this thesis, we have undertaken a comprehensive study of nucleotide self- assembly under a range of conditions and molecules. We investigated the self- assembly behaviour of different nucleoside monophosphates with respect to a change in the concentration, temperature and in the presence of prebiotically relevant co-solutes. Our results have demonstrated that the self-assembly of nucleotides is a highly responsive process that is influenced by environmental factors and strongly depends on the nucleobase present. We also studied the effect of this phenomenon on two prebiotically relevant processes: template-directed replication reactions and solubilization of hydrophobic molecules. Overall, our study has provided important insights into the complex and dynamic process of nucleotide self-assembly. By characterizing the factors that influence self-assembly, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of life and the fundamental processes that govern the behaviour of complex biological systems.