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Related Concept Videos

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...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...

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Chemical Triphosphorylation of Oligonucleotides
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Ribozymes, catalytically active RNA molecules. Introduction.

Eric Westhof1

  • 1Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, Strasbourg, France. E.Westhof@ibmc.u-strasbg.fr

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|February 9, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Ribozymes, or catalytically active RNA molecules, have been studied for 30 years. These fascinating molecules highlight the chemical potential of RNA in biological systems, raising questions about their role in the origin of life.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Origin of Life Studies

Background:

  • Ribozymes, catalytically active RNA, were discovered approximately 30 years ago.
  • RNA's chemical properties are significantly exploited in biological systems for reaction acceleration.
  • The discovery of ribozymes has prompted deeper investigation into RNA's catalytic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the catalytic potential and significance of ribozymes.
  • To discuss the role of RNA's chemical properties in biological catalysis.
  • To address the fundamental question of whether catalytic RNA is an accident of life or vice versa.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ribozyme research over the past 30 years.
  • Analysis of the chemical versatility of RNA compared to proteins.
  • Discussion of biological systems that utilize RNA for chemical reactions.

Main Results:

  • RNA, while less versatile than proteins, possesses significant catalytic capabilities.
  • Biological systems effectively harness RNA's chemical properties for diverse reactions.
  • The discovery and study of ribozymes underscore their importance in biochemistry.

Conclusions:

  • Ribozymes represent a fascinating area of molecular biology.
  • The catalytic activity of RNA raises profound questions about the origins of life.
  • Further research into ribozymes is crucial for understanding life's fundamental processes.