Riboensüüme

Riboensüüme, also known as ribozymes, are RNA molecules that possess catalytic activity. Unlike the traditionally understood enzymes, which are primarily proteins, riboensüüme demonstrate the ability to catalyze biochemical reactions. This discovery challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, which posited that only proteins could act as enzymes. The catalytic mechanisms of riboensüüme often involve the precise folding of the RNA molecule to create an active site capable of binding substrates and facilitating chemical transformations. These reactions can include cleavage of phosphodiester bonds, self-splicing of RNA, and even peptide bond formation in some cases. Riboensüüme are believed to have played a significant role in the early evolution of life, potentially serving as the primary catalysts before the evolution of protein enzymes. They are found in various biological contexts, including ribosomal RNA (rRNA) which catalyzes peptide bond formation during protein synthesis, and in small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) involved in RNA splicing. The study of riboensüüme has expanded our understanding of RNA's versatility and its potential as a therapeutic agent and a tool in molecular biology.