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Related Concept Videos

Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

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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.
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Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

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Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
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Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chemical Triphosphorylation of Oligonucleotides
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The potential versatility of RNA catalysis.

Timothy J Wilson1, David M J Lilley1

  • 1Cancer Research UK Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group, MSI/WTB Complex, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|May 5, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Early life likely used RNA for information and catalysis. This study explores how ribozymes could expand their catalytic abilities by recruiting coenzymes, inspired by riboswitches, to achieve greater chemical diversity.

Keywords:
coenzymesriboswitchesribozymesthe RNA world

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Origin of Life studies

Background:

  • RNA is hypothesized to have played a dual role in early life, serving as both genetic material and a catalyst.
  • Current known RNA enzymes (ribozymes) exhibit limited catalytic diversity, primarily in phosphoryl transfer reactions.
  • A broader chemical repertoire for ribozymes is proposed as essential for an RNA-based metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore mechanisms by which RNA could catalyze a wider range of chemical reactions.
  • To investigate how insights from riboswitches could inform the recruitment of coenzymes by ribozymes.
  • To consider strategies for identifying such expanded catalytic activities in extant biological systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and theoretical discussion.
  • Analysis of riboswitch structures and functions.
  • Hypothesizing mechanisms for ribozyme-coenzyme interactions.

Main Results:

  • RNA's catalytic potential may be significantly broader than currently observed.
  • Riboswitches offer a model for how RNA can bind and potentially recruit small molecules (coenzymes).
  • Recruitment of coenzymes could dramatically expand the chemical capabilities of ribozymes.

Conclusions:

  • Ribozymes may have possessed a more diverse catalytic capacity in early life.
  • Riboswitches provide a framework for understanding how ribozymes could utilize coenzymes.
  • Further research is needed to discover and characterize novel ribozyme activities in modern biology.