Peptide Nucleic Acids as a Possible Primordial Genetic Polymer

Abstract

A review presents evidence supporting the possibility that the components of peptide nucleic acid such as PNA are present in the primitive environment as the result of prebiotic synthetic reactions. Peptide nucleic acids also hydrolyze rather rapidly unless the free amino group at its end is blocked, and its overall stability needs to be assessed. [on SciFinder (R)]