RNA is right-handed.
The chirality of biological molecules is an interesting topic. Chirality refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms within a molecule, which results in two mirror-image forms. These forms are termed left-handed and right-handed. One would assume that in nature, molecules would be randomly left or right handed but that is not the case.
According to a recent article, it's clear that:
- DNA and RNA are made of building blocks that are all right-handed.
- Conversely, amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are all left-handed.
This consistent preference for one specific chiral form in biological molecules, like RNA being right-handed, is a fundamental feature of life's chemistry. This preference suggests a single origin for all life. This is because there is no apparent reason why only the right-handed version of RNA should be used in life, but it is.
Therefore, to answer the question precisely, RNA is *right-handed*.
