5. RNA World Hypothesis
The RNA World Hypothesis proposes that self-replicating RNA molecules were the first forms of life, preceding DNA and proteins. (en.wikipedia.org) RNA’s dual capability to store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions suggests it could have supported early life forms. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) The discovery of ribozymes—RNA molecules with catalytic properties—supports this idea, indicating that RNA could have played a central role in the origin of life. (en.wikipedia.org)