Abstract
Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules, enzymes made of RNA. They were probably the key to the early development of life on the planet in the RNA world, but are still present in contemporary cells, carrying out some of the most important reactions such as the synthesis of proteins. Although clearly not as well suited to this role as proteins, ribozymes nevertheless can achieve some impressive rate enhancements. Mechanistic and structural studies have revealed much of the way that this is achieved. But perhaps even more interesting ribozyme species may still await discovery.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 4-8 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Biochemist |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2015 |
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Keywords
- Abiogenesis
- Catalysts
- Coenzymes
- Ribozymes
- RNA world
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Ribozymes : ancient and modern. / Lilley, David M. J.
In: Biochemist, Vol. 37, No. 2, 04.2015, p. 4-8.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Ribozymes
T2 - ancient and modern
AU - Lilley, David M. J.
PY - 2015/4
Y1 - 2015/4
N2 - Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules, enzymes made of RNA. They were probably the key to the early development of life on the planet in the RNA world, but are still present in contemporary cells, carrying out some of the most important reactions such as the synthesis of proteins. Although clearly not as well suited to this role as proteins, ribozymes nevertheless can achieve some impressive rate enhancements. Mechanistic and structural studies have revealed much of the way that this is achieved. But perhaps even more interesting ribozyme species may still await discovery.
AB - Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules, enzymes made of RNA. They were probably the key to the early development of life on the planet in the RNA world, but are still present in contemporary cells, carrying out some of the most important reactions such as the synthesis of proteins. Although clearly not as well suited to this role as proteins, ribozymes nevertheless can achieve some impressive rate enhancements. Mechanistic and structural studies have revealed much of the way that this is achieved. But perhaps even more interesting ribozyme species may still await discovery.
KW - Abiogenesis
KW - Catalysts
KW - Coenzymes
KW - Ribozymes
KW - RNA world
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84928988812&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84928988812
VL - 37
SP - 4
EP - 8
JO - Biochemist
JF - Biochemist
SN - 0954-982X
IS - 2
ER -