Final answer:
RNA in an RNA world would have carried out functions such as information storage and retrieval, catalytic activity, and self-replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions that researchers believe RNA would have carried out in an RNA world include:
- Information Storage and Retrieval: RNAs act as warehouses of genetic information, encoding instructions like DNA.
- Catalytic Activity: Some RNAs can carry out chemical reactions, acting as catalysts similar to proteins.
- Self-Replication: RNA can replicate itself through autocatalytic processes, allowing for the transmission of genetic material.