First, take some time to think about the various shapes into which RNA, proteins and, to a lesser extent, DNA can fold. Think about why this happens and what benefits there might be to the cell. Second, do an internet search and read about the "RNA World Hypothesis" and then explain if you believe that it is plausible, and why. A minimum of a full paragraph is required. Remember, a hypothesis is an idea that has not yet been proven. Third, respond to the following Three postings, in which you agree with them or disagree with them, and explain why. Your responses should be well thought out, consist of at least a few sentences, be courteous, and be respectful.

1. First post
The main purpose of RNA, proteins and, DNA folding is for surface area. The size of DNA is massive so it needs to fold its complementary nucleotides together in a double helix formation, in order to fit within the nucleus. The 1° structure of folding is important because it serves as a guideline for the types of interactions that are going to take place. Folding structures 2°, 3°, 4°, prevent the tangling of genetic materials and ensure dynamic stability. The RNA world hypothesis essentially states the RNA came before DNA. The RNA world hypothesis could be possible because RNA is self-replicating and self sustainable, as well as containing genes and enzymes. For example, RNA can perform reverse transcription so it is possible that as it evolved in time, DNA arose at a later. But, I find the hypothesis to be difficult to prove that RNA existed before DNA only because DNA is the backbone and starting strand of RNA. DNA contains AGCT. Whereas RNA is a complementary, coding strand of DNA, containing AGCU. I couldn't imagine the genetic material or strand being stable with just the use of RNA and without DNA.

2. Second post
RNA is a single-stranded, group of molecules that can form various shapes depending on the proteins they interact with. Proteins are formed based on translation and they type of RNA in a cell (mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA). They make up different proteins to form different cellular structures. Proteins have four different structures in which they can form, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. DNA is a double-stranded, group of amino acids that form a double helix. These amino acids code for different genes. Different genetic material such as RNA, DNA, and proteins made from RNA are beneficial to cells in order to make up the proper structures for a cell to function. One of the main key points of every biology class or biologist, structure determines function. The RNA World Hypothesis states that RNA was once the backbone of evolution because it can self-replicate. I do think that parts of the hypothesis is plausible, however I do not agree with the statement that RNA is an unstable molecule and that RNA was the backbone. RNA provides excellent structure for cells and their organelles. Without RNA making the proteins, a cell would not have organelles. DNA provides the genetic information to signal to RNA to produce the appropriate proteins. Perhaps, they have stated that it is unstable because of mutations that can occur, but since it is a hypothesis, I do not feel this statement is entirely plausible until proven. I do also agree that it is plausible for rRNA to make ribosomes which may be ribozymes to catalyze chemical reactions. This in theory makes some sense because ribosomes are made from rRNA. There are some things I do agree with and some things I don’t within the
RNA World Hypotheses. Cheriyedath, S. (2019, February 26). What is the RNA World Hypothesis?

3.Third post
“RNA folding is the process by which a linear ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule acquires secondary structure through intra-molecular interactions. The folded domains of RNA molecules are often the sites of specific interactions with proteins in forming RNA–protein (ribonucleoprotein) complexes”. RNA can fold up into a variety of shapes because of its single stranded and it has the ability to fold into a complex 3D shape.
Which allows RNA to carry out various functions in cells, in addition to conveying information between DNA and protein. Folding in DNA, RNA, and protein is beneficial to the cell because it helps to function properly. The RNA World Hypothesis was brought up in the 1960s by Carl Woese, Francis Crick and Leslie Orgel. It proposes that earlier life forms may have used RNA alone for the storage of genetic material. Meaning that RNA was here before DNA. According to the hypothesis, RNA was the primary substance because of its ability to function as both genes and enzymes. Also, they mentioned that RNA is capable of self-replication and could therefore have carried genetic information by itself. In my opinion I don’t really agree with the RNA hypothesis that states that RNA was here before RNA because DNA is starting strand of RNA.

First, take some time to think about the various shapes into which...