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RNA as an enzyme.

¹Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0215.

Biochemistry International

|January 1, 1989

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ribozymes, or catalytic RNA molecules, can self-splice and act as enzymes. This RNA catalysis suggests a key role for RNA in early life and self-replicating systems.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
RNA Catalysis

Background:

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) exhibits catalytic properties beyond its genetic role.
The intervening sequence (IVS) of Tetrahymena ribosomal RNA precursor is a key example of catalytic RNA.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the catalytic activities of RNA molecules.
To explore the implications of RNA catalysis for the origin of life and self-replication.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on RNA catalysis.
Analysis of the self-splicing mechanism in Tetrahymena IVS.
Examination of other known catalytic RNA systems.

Main Results:

Tetrahymena IVS demonstrates self-splicing, excising itself and ligating flanking RNA sequences.

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Excised IVS RNA functions as an enzyme, catalyzing cleavage and ligation on other RNA substrates.

RNA polymerization activity of IVS supports RNA's role in prebiotic systems.

Conclusions:

Catalytic RNA (ribozymes) plays significant roles in RNA processing and potentially in early life.
RNA catalysis is observed in various systems including Group I and II IVSs, ribonuclease P, and plant viruses.