A-type helicity controls efficient nonenzymatic template copying of nucleic acids

Abstract

We performed classical molecular dynamics simulations for DNA self-replication on an RNA template with phosphoroimidazole activation. We demonstrate that the RNA template imposes A-type helicity on the hybrid DNA/RNA helix, as opposed to the B-type helix of pure DNA-based systems. Based on structural analyses, we conclude that helicity type is the primary factor responsible for the feasibility of nonenzymatic primer extension.