๐Ÿงฌap biology review

RNA world hypothesis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

A scientific hypothesis proposing that RNA was the earliest genetic material on Earth, capable of both storing genetic information and catalyzing its own replication before the evolution of DNA and proteins.

AP course connection

Topic 7.12: 7.12 Origins of Life on Earth

Unit 7

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