ribozyme

American  

[rahy-buh-zahym] / ˈraɪ bəˌzaɪm /

noun

1. a segment of RNA that can act as a catalyst.

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ribozyme British  

/ ˈraɪbəʊˌzaɪm /

noun

1. an RNA molecule capable of catalysing a chemical reaction, usually the cleavage of another RNA molecule

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Other Word Forms

• ribozymal adjective

Etymology

Origin of ribozyme

First recorded in 1985–90; ribo(some) + (en)zyme

Example Sentences

These findings suggest that ATP and histidine act as effector molecules that trigger structural conformational changes in the ribozyme, which further influence enzyme stability and activity.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2024

As a result of this new research, these complex ribozyme sequences in the early stages of RNA evolution are not necessary.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2024

The latest RNA polymerase ribozyme developed in the lab includes a number of crucial mutations that allow it to copy a strand of RNA with much higher accuracy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

Say a ribozyme capable of transforming a pool of mixed nucleic acids into left- and right-handed RNAs appeared on the early Earth.

From Scientific American • Dec. 5, 2014

The ribozyme in the paper emerged after just 16 rounds of evolution, a shockingly short run for this kind of experiment.

From Scientific American • Dec. 5, 2014