Final answer:
RNA is central to the RNA world hypothesis, which posits that it could have been the first molecule capable of both storing genetic information and catalyzing chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA is theorized to have been a key molecule in the early stages of life, functioning both as a catalyst and a repository for genetic information. This is supported by the RNA world hypothesis, which suggests that life may have begun with RNA due to its ability to both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions. The self-replicating nature of RNA is seen in modern examples such as ribozymes and retroviruses like HIV, where RNA is not only a carrier of genetic instructions but also participates in its own replication.
RNA's ability to store information comes from its nucleotide sequences, which can encode genetic instructions similar to DNA. Furthermore, RNA molecules can fold into complex structures due to internal hydrogen bonding, influencing their function and ability to catalyze reactions, including their own replication. For instance, the folding of RNA can lead to the formation of ribozymes, which are RNA molecules capable of catalyzing chemical reactions. These ribozymes suggest a legacy of the prebiotic RNA world and evidence for the theory that RNA could self-replicate and evolve into increasingly complex forms.