Biological Catalysis and Information Storage Have Relied on N-Glycosyl Derivatives of β-D-Ribofuranose since the Origins of Life

Most naturally occurring nucleotides and nucleosides are N-glycosyl derivatives of fi-Dribose. These N-ribosides are involved in most metabolic processes that occur in cells. They are essential components of nucleic acids, forming the basis for genetic information storage and flow. Moreover, these compounds are involved in numerous catalytic processes, including chemical energy production and storage, in which they serve as cofactors or coribozymes. From a chemical point of view, the overall structure of nucleotides and nucleosides is very similar and simple. However, their unique chemical and structural features render these compounds versatile building blocks that are crucial for life processes in all known organisms. Notably, the universal function of these compounds in encoding genetic information and cellular catalysis strongly suggests their essential role in the origins of life. In this review, we summarize major issues related to the role of N-ribosides in biological systems, especially in the context of the origin of life and its further evolution, through the RNA-based World(s), toward the life we observe today. We also discuss possible reasons why life has arisen from derivatives of beta-D-ribofuranose instead of compounds based on other sugar moieties.

Automated summary

Most naturally occurring nucleotides and nucleosides are N-glycosyl derivatives of fi-Dribose, which play essential roles in genetic information storage, flow, and cellular catalysis. The unique chemical and structural features of these compounds make them versatile building blocks for life processes. Their universal function in encoding genetic information and cellular catalysis strongly suggests their essential role in the origins and evolution of life. This review summarizes the role of N-ribosides in biological systems, focusing on the origin of life and the reasons behind the preference for derivatives of beta-D-ribofuranose.