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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...
Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Comparative RNA Structure Analysis of Nascent and Mature Transcripts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
09:12

Comparative RNA Structure Analysis of Nascent and Mature Transcripts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: February 27, 2026

The structure and function of catalytic RNAs.

QiJia Wu1, Lin Huang, Yi Zhang

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China. wuqijia@126.com

Science in China. Series C, Life Sciences
|March 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Ribozymes are RNA molecules that act as catalysts. This review details the structure-function relationship of small and large ribozymes, focusing on the structural basis of their catalytic activity.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • RNA was initially proposed to have catalytic functions due to its complex folding capabilities.
  • The discovery of Tetrahymena group I intron and RNase P ribozyme in the 1980s confirmed RNA's catalytic potential.
  • Over ten distinct ribozymes have been identified, including the ribosome, highlighting RNA's diverse roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure-function relationship of identified ribozymes.
  • To elucidate the structural basis underlying ribozyme catalysis.
  • To provide insights into both small and large ribozyme mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ribozyme research.
  • Analysis of resolved crystal structures of various ribozymes.
  • Comparison of structural features across different ribozyme classes.

Main Results:

  • Numerous crystal structures of ribozymes have been resolved, advancing understanding of their architecture.
  • Key structural elements contributing to catalytic activity have been identified.
  • Structure-function correlations have been established for both small and large ribozymes.

Conclusions:

  • Ribozymes exhibit diverse structures that are critical for their catalytic functions.
  • Understanding ribozyme structure provides fundamental insights into RNA-based catalysis.
  • Continued structural studies are essential for a comprehensive grasp of ribozyme mechanisms.