Nucleic Acid Catalysis under Potential Prebiotic Conditions

The cover feature illustrates various environmental factors influencing nucleic acid catalysis on early Earth, including temperature, pH, metal ion composition, dehydration and exposure to UV radiation. In order to explore plausible scenarios for early molecular evolution and to investigate the extent to which nucleic acid enzymes can adapt to non-physiological conditions, it is essential to understand how different environmental conditions both inhibit and potentiate nucleic acid catalysis. More information can be found in the Minireview by Kristian Le Vay, Hannes Mutschler et al.