Summary
RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin.
In depth
Thomas Cech and Sidney Altman discovered catalytic RNA in the 1980s (Nobel 1989). Examples include self-splicing introns and RNase P, and the ribosomal RNA's peptidyl transferase centre.
RNA both stores information and catalyses reactions, supporting the idea that RNA preceded DNA and proteins early in evolution.
Ribozymes support the RNA world hypothesis: before proteins and DNA, RNA may have both stored information and catalysed reactions, since it can do both. In the lab, scientists have evolved RNA enzymes that copy short RNA templates and ligate pieces.
The ribosome is a ribozyme: the peptide bond is made by rRNA, with proteins playing supportive roles, which suggests it is an inheritance from that early stage. Other examples include the hammerhead and hepatitis delta ribozymes, and group I and II self-splicing introns.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ribozymes?
RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin.
Which area of biology covers Ribozymes, and how advanced is it?
Ribozymes is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Tertiary Structure, Vitamins, Proteins.
Why does Ribozymes matter?
Ribozymes are also explored as tools, to cut disease mRNAs, and illustrate how origin of life research works.
Can you give an example of Ribozymes?
The hammerhead ribozyme cleaves RNA in some viroids.
What should I learn before Ribozymes?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Ribozymes. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Ribozymes?
The closest topics to Ribozymes are Tertiary Structure, Vitamins, Proteins, Prions. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ribozymes?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ribozymes. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
How is Ribozymes different from Tertiary Structure?
Ribozymes: RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin. Tertiary Structure: The overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ribozymes step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Tertiary Structure and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.