RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin.
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.
RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin.
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 Prions, RNA Types, Cofactors and Coenzymes.
The hammerhead ribozyme cleaves RNA in some viroids.
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.
The closest topics to Ribozymes are Prions, RNA Types, Cofactors and Coenzymes, Enzymes. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
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.
Ribozymes: RNA molecules with catalytic activity, supporting the RNA world hypothesis for life's origin. Prions: Misfolded infectious proteins that convert normal proteins into the abnormal form, causing diseases like scrapie. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
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 Prions and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Misfolded infectious proteins that convert normal proteins into the abnormal form, causing diseases like scrapie.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryMessenger, transfer and ribosomal RNA, each with a distinct role in protein synthesis.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryNon-protein helpers such as metal ions or vitamin-derived molecules that many enzymes require to function.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryBiological catalysts, mostly proteins, that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry