>there is no need for genetic information in a living being able to grow and reproduce. Yes there is, because one of the principles that define life is the abi

>there is no need for genetic information in a living being able to grow and reproduce. Yes there is, because one of the principles that define life is the ability to "pass traits onto offspring". This isn't possible without a medium to carry that information. Self replicating systems do not require information. Self replicating systems that are "alive" by any definiton in the scientific literature, do. >It cannot produce any RNA without the monomers (nucleotides) and without energy, i.e. a dehydrating agent like ATP In the same way RNA folds could catalyse RNA synthesis, other folding patterns could break down energy-rich compounds and generate nucleotides. The one thing they need for this to work, is an enclosed reaction environment, aka a lipid-vesicle, which form spotaneously as long as there are fatty acids. So no, the RNA world does NOT require some form of non-genetic-host-organisms. Folded RNA molecules within lipid vesicles are likely the earliest form of organised life.