Ribozymes

A ribosome () is a ribonucleoprotein particle found in all cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, responsible for the synthesis of proteins. A ribosome functions as a molecular machine in the translation of strands of messenger RNA (mRNA) and production of a protein. A ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the codons of mRNA molecules to form polypeptide chains. A ribosome is made up of a large and a small subunit, each consisting of one or more ribosomal RNA molecules and many ribosomal proteins. The ribosomes and associated molecules are also known as the translation

thumb|3D structure of a hammerhead ribozyme

RNA component of the ribosome, essential for protein synthesis in all living organisms

class of enzymes

class of enzymes

technique used to determine which mRNAs are being actively translated

Catalyzes reversible cleavage and ligation within an RNA molecule

Enzymatic section of RNA