Genes-first hypothesis

The genes-first hypothesis, also known as the replication-first hypothesis, is one of the competing theories in the study of the origin of life. This theory proposes that one of the earliest stages in the emergence of life may have been 'genes' or 'replicators', referring to simple molecules with the abilities to self-replicate, encode information, and evolve in a heritable manner.

This theory contrasts with the Metabolism-First Hypothesis which instead argues that early metabolic processes, likely in the form of self-sustaining networks of chemical reactions, preceded the emergence of genes and catalyzed their development.

Additionally, the genes-first hypothesis is closely linked to the theory of a primitive RNA World, in which early life utilized RNA for both its genetic material and catalytic machinery prior to the emergence of DNA and enzymes respectively.