Definition
An RNA replicase ribozyme is an RNA enzyme (ribozyme) that catalyzes the replication of RNA sequences. RNA replicase ribozymes are a central feature of RNA world theories of the origin of life.
History
The term RNA replicase was introduced to describe protein enzymes that polymerize RNA in an RNA-dependent manner (Haruna et al. 1963). These protein enzymes replicate the genomes of RNA viruses through the template-directed polymerization of mononucleotides. It was not until decades later that ribozymes capable of similar polymerization reactions and RNA replication were identified through directed evolution in vitro (Johnston et al. 2001; Lincoln and Joyce 2009).
Overview
The replication of information-containing molecules by a replicase provides a means of establishing heritability. The emergence of such a replicase would therefore satisfy one of the fundamental requirements of life. RNA’s dual biological role of both catalyzing chemical reactions and storing genetic...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Attwater J et al (2013) In-ice evolution of RNA polymerase ribozyme activity. Nat Chem 5:1011–1018
Ekland EH, Bartel DP (1996) RNA-catalysed RNA polymerization using nucleoside triphosphates. Nature 382(6589):373–376
Haruna I et al (1963) An RNA “replicase” induced by and selective for a viral RNA: isolation and properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 50(5):905–911
Johnston WK et al (2001) RNA-catalyzed RNA polymerization: accurate and general RNA-templated primer extension. Science 292(5520):1319–1325
Lincoln TA, Joyce GF (2009) Self-sustained replication of an RNA enzyme. Science 323(5918):1229–1232
Vaiday N et al (2012) Spontaneous network formation among cooperative RNA replicators. Nature 491:72–77
Zaher HS, Unrau PJ (2007) Selection of an improved RNA polymerase ribozyme with superior extension and fidelity. RNA 13(7):1017–1026
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
Ditzler, M.A. (2015). RNA Replicase Ribozyme. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_5319
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_5319
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-44184-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-44185-5
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics