RNAcatalyzed

RNAcatalyzed refers to a biological process where RNA molecules act as catalysts, facilitating chemical reactions. This phenomenon challenges the traditional view that enzymes, which are proteins, are the sole biological catalysts. The discovery of catalytic RNA, or ribozymes, revolutionized molecular biology. Ribozymes can perform a variety of functions, including RNA splicing, peptide bond formation in ribosomes, and even self-cleavage.

The existence of ribozymes supports the "RNA world hypothesis," a theory suggesting that RNA played a central role in the early evolution of life. According to this hypothesis, RNA served as both the genetic material and the primary catalytic molecule before the advent of DNA and proteins. The catalytic activity of RNA is attributed to its ability to fold into complex three-dimensional structures, creating active sites similar to those found in protein enzymes.

Examples of ribozymes include the hammerhead ribozyme, the hairpin ribozyme, and the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) component of the ribosome. The discovery of these catalytic RNA molecules opened up new avenues for research in areas such as RNA-based therapeutics and the origins of life. Understanding RNAcatalyzed reactions is crucial for comprehending fundamental biological processes and for developing novel biotechnological applications.