RNAfagens

RNAfagens is a term used in molecular biology to describe RNA molecules that have the ability to act as enzymes. These RNA molecules, often referred to as ribozymes, possess catalytic activity, meaning they can speed up specific biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This is in contrast to proteins, which are the more commonly known biological catalysts (enzymes).

The discovery of RNAfagens revolutionized our understanding of the origins of life and the roles of RNA. It was once believed that proteins were solely responsible for catalytic functions in cells. However, the identification of RNAfagens demonstrated that RNA itself could perform such tasks. This has led to the "RNA world hypothesis," which proposes that RNA played a central role in early life, serving as both genetic material and catalysts before the evolution of DNA and proteins.

RNAfagens can catalyze a variety of reactions, including RNA splicing, peptide bond formation (as seen in ribosomes), and even the synthesis of other RNA molecules. Their catalytic mechanisms often involve the precise folding of the RNA molecule into a three-dimensional structure that creates an active site, similar to protein enzymes. The study of RNAfagens continues to be an active area of research, with implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and for developing new biotechnological tools.