Fox, George E.2018-03-122018-03-12December 22017-12December 2http://hdl.handle.net/10657/2888The structure of the ribosome and its function is explored through superposition of published crystal structure data. “Pivoting elements” are discovered in the ribosome - structural weakness caused primarily by UG mismatches and similar motifs. This structural weakness allows for functionality in the ribosome and consequently all RNA. An overall connected network of motion is further revealed in the ribosome propagating from cofactor GTPases through the decoding center and back. The mobile network is highlighted by series of equally mobile ribosomal proteins. A series of questions regarding the origins of life are explored through the application of dynamic combinatorial chemistry to biochemical systems. A series of experiments were proposed, defended and performed, which show that RNA can, in an aquatic environment, gain information size and become, over time, robust towards hydrolytic stress.application/pdfengThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).RibosomesRNA2018-03-12Thesisborn digital