Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level 5th Edition

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118918401
ISBN 13: 978-1-11891-840-1

Chapter 11 - Enzymatic Catalysis - Exercises - Page 359: 23

Answer

RNA molecules can act as enzymes; that is, catalyze covalent changes in the structure of substrates in a similar way to that of protein enzymes. this feature of RNA molecules would allow to it function as ribozymes. Enzymes made from artificial molecules which do not occur anywhere in nature have been shown to trigger chemical reactions. As the DNA lacks the 2'-hydroxyl group found in RNA which limits the catalytic competency of deoxyribozymes even in comparison to ribozymes. It may also be due to the primarily double-stranded conformation of DNA in biological systems which would limit its physical ibility and ability to form tertiary structures, and so would drastically limit the ability of double stranded DNA to act as a catalyst. But then it was discovered that some RNA molecules can act as enzymes; that is, catalyze covalent changes in the structure of substrates.

Work Step by Step

RNA molecules can act as enzymes; that is, catalyze covalent changes in the structure of substrates in a similar way to that of protein enzymes. this feature of RNA molecules would allow to it function as ribozymes. Enzymes made from artificial molecules which do not occur anywhere in nature have been shown to trigger chemical reactions. As the DNA lacks the 2'-hydroxyl group found in RNA which limits the catalytic competency of deoxyribozymes even in comparison to ribozymes. It may also be due to the primarily double-stranded conformation of DNA in biological systems which would limit its physical ibility and ability to form tertiary structures, and so would drastically limit the ability of double stranded DNA to act as a catalyst. But then it was discovered that some RNA molecules can act as enzymes; that is, catalyze covalent changes in the structure of substrates.
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