Ribozyme

A ribozyme, also known as a catalytic RNA, is an RNA molecule that functions as an enzyme. Unlike protein enzymes, which are composed of amino acids, ribozymes are composed of nucleotides. They catalyze specific biochemical reactions, primarily in RNA processing, such as RNA splicing and peptide bond formation. Ribozymes possess a complex three-dimensional structure that allows them to bind to substrates and facilitate reactions, acting as both the enzyme and genetic material. They are crucial in cellular processes and considered by many to have preceded protein enzymes in evolution.

Ribozyme meaning with examples

• During tRNA processing, ribozymes cleave pre-tRNA molecules to release the functional tRNA fragments. Without this process, translation of proteins would be impaired. Ribozymes' ability to precisely target and modify RNA makes them vital cellular tools. Further research aims to exploit ribozymes' specificity for therapeutic applications.
• In the ribosome, ribozymes catalyze peptide bond formation, essential for protein synthesis. Their active site, composed of RNA, demonstrates the RNA world hypothesis. This critical function shows that the initial steps to life might have been guided by these molecules.
• Research into ribozymes led to their development as therapeutic agents. These artificially designed ribozymes can target and destroy specific RNA molecules associated with diseases like cancer or viral infections. This holds the potential to silence genes that promote cancer.
• Ribozymes play a role in self-splicing introns, where they catalyze the removal of their own sequences from RNA. Their ability to act on themselves illustrates the power of their catalytic nature. This self-splicing event produces mRNA.
• The discovery of ribozymes provided evidence for the RNA world hypothesis. This suggested that RNA, not protein, was the primary carrier of genetic information and catalyst in early life forms. Their structure is key to understanding molecular evolution.