Because RNA is not a stable molecule. At lower temperatures, it's less likely for a given bond to reach the Gibbs free energy of activation, thus preventing de

Because RNA is not a stable molecule. At lower temperatures, it's less likely for a given bond to reach the Gibbs free energy of activation, thus preventing degradation. In a biological context, the vast majority of RNA use falls within the 'central dogma' of DNA -> RNA -> Protein. It is merely an intermediate, albeit one with important and complex regulatory processes. In RNA viruses and other contexts where stability is required, the RNA is stabilized by its environment, namely by associating with special proteins.