USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

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What is a ribozyme?

  1. A protein that functions as a catalyst

  2. An RNA molecule that functions as an enzyme

  3. A DNA molecule that catalyzes reactions

  4. A carbohydrate that aids in enzyme activity

The correct answer is: An RNA molecule that functions as an enzyme

A ribozyme is an RNA molecule that has the ability to catalyze biochemical reactions, similar to the way that protein enzymes function. This means that ribozymes can facilitate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process, effectively lowering the activation energy needed for reactions to occur. This property highlights the versatility of RNA beyond its role in genetic coding and protein synthesis, indicating that RNA can also participate in catalysis, which was a surprising and important finding in the study of molecular biology. This characteristic is particularly significant because it supports theories regarding the early origins of life, suggesting that RNA could have played a pivotal role in the evolution of biological systems due to its dual functionality in both storing genetic information and acting as a catalyst.

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