Rna Catalysis

RNA is similar to DNA is that it has a clear ability to form catalysts. Some important functions of RNA is the ability to transform genetic information essential for gene expression. RNA based catalyst has been theoried as one of the first steps of cellular life.

RNA may have evolved into the DNA we know today. DNA has greater chemical stability and is believed to have stepped into the role of data storage and proteins, which are more flexible because of specialized catalytic molecules.

RNA research has begun to expand greatly in the past several years. In conductivity research, scientists have found that RNA catalysis may be more vital than originally thought.

RNA molecules are also named ribozymes which "have either a hairpin -or hammerhead-shaped active center and a unique secondary structure allowing them to cleave other RNA molecules at specific sequences. It is possible to produce in the laboratory ribozymes that will specifically cleave my RNA molecule. These RNA catalysts may have pharmaceuticals applications. For example, a ribozyme has been designed to cleave the RNA of HIV. By placing a ribozyme in the cell all incoming virus particles that express this particular gene will have the RNA product cleaved by the ribozyme, which, in the end would kill all invading virus particles." (2)

RNA catalysis' most important impact on our society is the pharmaceutical possibilities. RNA catalysis can be used to combat bacterial antibodies. This process has been very important to pharmacologists to help in finding treatments for many different diseases.

References

Stephen Marshak (2005). Earth Portrait of a Planet, Second Edition. Wells Street, London: W.W. Norton & Company, Ltd.

Wikipedia: RNA, Wikipedia