6. On the genetic code:

We have not yet reached a generally accepted view on how the genetic code might have been originated. Models that have been presented are generally a theoretical scenario without reliable experimental proof. It appears indeed to be a very complex machinery - on the other hand, some recent studies may indicate that the genetic code may be as old as 4 billion years (Eigen et al., 2005). Is there anything solid that we can actually state at the moment, on the origin of the genetic code? Has it sense to invoke a genetic code prior to the onset of cellular life?