Evolution theory beyond Darwin (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, January 02, 2010, 23:50 (5235 days ago) @ George Jelliss

This result that I spotted on the BBC news pages looks interesting
> "Lifeless prion proteins are capable of evolution"
> 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8435320.stm
> 
> Quotes: Scientists have shown for the first time that "lifeless" prion proteins, devoid of all genetic material, can evolve just like higher forms of life. /// ... it's clear that you do not need nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) for the process of evolution.-George, thank you. Fascinating article. It points out, also, that folding a protein in a different way changes its function. I wonder what molecules, or enzymes in the host cells, change the folding or do the prions do it themselves?