Biology 1202B Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Ribozyme, Multiprotein Complex, Intron
15 Jun 2016
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Dna rna protein: complex process how did it arise. Rna world hypothesis: rna stored genetic information, rna catalyzed chemical reactions (ribozyme, served dna and protein like functions. Later in evolutionary time: dna took over as genetic material, proteins became the major catalysts for reactions. Transition not entirely complete: rna still catalyzes several fundamental reaction. Life requires the ability to catalyze reactions that lead, directly or indirectly to the production of more molecules like themselves. Rna has the unique potential to act as both information carrier and catalyst: assembly of rna polymers in the rna world is random. Function will depend on sequence = structure. Single stranded rna can fold into highly elaborate structures. Generate large pool of random dna: transcribe. Rna molecules which have specific biochemical properties isolated: these properties include catalyzing a variety of reactions. Main difference between protein enzymes and ribozymes is reaction speed not diversity of reactions.
