Reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) could have arisen through abiotic processes on the early Earth and been considered a source of oxidative stress for early life. Here, the authors reveal that RNA molecules coordinated with ferrous iron can catalyze the conversion of H2O2 into O2 and H2O under anoxic conditions, suggesting RNA-metal complexes played a crucial role in managing oxidative stress before protein enzymes evolved.
- Ying-Chi Wang
- Jing-Hong Tu
- Chiaolong Hsiao
