Ribozyme

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ribozymes are involved in catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis.
2. The ribosome itself has ribozyme activity, specifically within the large subunit's rRNA.
3. Ribozymes can act as self-splicing introns, removing themselves from pre-mRNA without additional proteins.
4. They were discovered by Thomas Cech and Sidney Altman, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989 for their work.
5. Ribozymes have potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, such as targeted RNA cleavage.

Related terms

mRNA:

Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA:

Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

rRNA:

Ribosomal RNA that forms part of the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation.