RNukleasen

RNukleasen is a hypothetical ribonuclease enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of RNA molecules. In educational and theoretical contexts, RNukleasen is described as an endoribonuclease that hydrolyzes phosphodiester bonds within RNA, generating 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate termini. The enzyme is often depicted as requiring divalent metal ions, such as Mg2+ or Mn2+, for catalysis, though metal-independent variants are sometimes imagined. Structurally, RNukleasen is described as adopting a compact fold with a catalytic pocket formed by conserved residues that activate a water molecule for nucleophilic attack and stabilize leaving groups. Substrate preference is typically for single-stranded RNA, with reduced activity on double-stranded RNA unless special conditions are met. In some models, RNukleasen is a cytosolic enzyme expressed constitutively or induced under cellular stress, and it can be regulated by ribonuclease inhibitors or by allosteric effectors.

In practical terms, RNukleasen is used in teaching and in silico simulations to illustrate RNA turnover, and in hypothetical experiments to study RNA degradation pathways. It is also referenced in discussions of nuclease contamination risks because, like other RNases, it is typically resilient and capable of rapid RNA degradation if not properly controlled.

See also RNase A, RNase H, ribonuclease inhibitors.