Ribozyme
from class: Microbiology Definition A ribozyme is an RNA molecule capable of catalyzing specific biochemical reactions, similar to the action of protein enzymes. They play a crucial role in RNA processing and protein synthesis.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Ribozymes are involved in catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis. The ribosome itself has ribozyme activity, specifically within the large subunit's rRNA. Ribozymes can act as self-splicing introns, removing themselves from pre-mRNA without additional proteins. They were discovered by Thomas Cech and Sidney Altman, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989 for their work. Ribozymes have potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, such as targeted RNA cleavage. Review Questions What is the primary function of a ribozyme? How do ribozymes differ from protein enzymes? Which Nobel Prize-winning scientists are credited with discovering ribozymes?
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