Since the 1960s, the role of RNA (ribonucleic acid) in transmitting information to produce DNA-encoded protein has been well known. More recently, however, scientists have discovered that RNA can be much more than a passive transmitter of genetic information. RNA can also act as an enzyme that directly participates in cellular biochemistry. The dual nature of RNA as an information storage molecule and an enzyme supports the theory that RNA had a central role in the origin of life.In these four lectures, HHMI President and Nobel laureate Thomas R. Cech explains the role of RNA in cellular biology. He also discusses other implications of RNA catalysis. For example, the ability of RNA catalysts, or ribozymes, to cut and splice RNA molecules has sparked efforts to develop them as therapeutic agents.
Lectures include:
1. Catalysis, Chemical and Biochemical
Life processes are fundamentally chemical reactions. Left to themselves, however, the reactions would occur too slowly and non-specifically to sustain life. Cellular enzymes are catalysts that tame reactions by accelerating them, lending specificity, and regulating their time and place. Some principles of biological catalysis are demonstrated.
2. RNA as an Enzymes: Discovery, Origins of Life, and Medical Possiblities
Discovery of RNA's catalytic activity led to unexpected spin-offs, including a new scenario for the origin of life. In a different area, the ability of RNA catalysts (ribozymes) to cut and splice RNA molecules has sparked efforts to develop them as pharmaceuticals against viruses, cancer, and genetic diseases.
3. How to Accelerate a Reaction 100,000,000,000 Times Using Only RNA
RNA and protein are built from different chemical units and assembled in distinct ways. Thus, the ability of RNA to exhibit catalytic activity rivaling that of traditional protein enzymes was unexpected. Studies of RNA catalytic centers have revealed much about their structure and mode of action.
4. Life at the End of the Chromosome: Another RNA Machine
Chromosomes of humans and other eukaryotes contain linear DNA molecules. The chromosomes ends, or telomeres, are necessary for DNA stability and replication. Telomere replication is carried out by telomerase, whose RNA subunit acts as a template for telomeric DNA synthesis.
To watch these lectures at home or get your own copy go to The Double Life of RNA in the HHMI's BioInteractive website.
