Crick's Adaptor Hypothesis and the Discovery of Transfer RNA: Experiment Surpassing Theoretical Prediction

Historically, hypotheses failed in most cases to correctly forecast the workings of complex biological systems. Francis Crick’s adaptor hypothesis, however, stands out as an exceptional case a confirmed abstract prediction. This hypothesis presciently anticipated existence RNA adaptors that function bridges between amino acids and chemically different nucleic acid template for proteins. Crick conjectured are enzymatically charged with cognate acids, they bind complementary protein-coding acid, their liberated incorporated into growing protein chains. Independently from concomitantly Mahlon Hoagland Paul Zamecnik conducted experiments no guiding theory culminated discoveries actual adaptors, transfer (tRNA) molecules, charging enzymes. paper traces parallel histories experimental discovery tRNA compares relative impacts on scientific community. Remarkably, despite brilliance prognostication, it had marginal impact practicing scientists. Conversely, Zamecnik’s evidence-based model synthesis immediate enduring impact. I discuss possible explanations theoretical prediction identifications same entities.