ribozyme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Highly technical/scientific (biology, biochemistry, molecular biology).
Quick answer
What does “ribozyme” mean?
A molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme, catalyzing chemical reactions within cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme, catalyzing chemical reactions within cells.
A type of catalytic RNA, discovered in the 1980s, which challenged the traditional view that all biological catalysts are proteins. Ribozymes play crucial roles in RNA processing and are key to hypotheses about the origin of life (the 'RNA world').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None; strictly a technical term.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to scientific literature and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “ribozyme” in a Sentence
The [specific type] ribozyme [verb e.g., cleaves, catalyses] [substrate].[Subject] is catalysed/mediated by a ribozyme.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ribozyme” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ribozyme activity was assayed.
- They studied the ribozyme mechanism.
American English
- The ribozyme activity was assayed.
- They studied the ribozyme mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used, except potentially in highly specialised biotech/pharma R&D contexts.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, biochemistry, and origins-of-life research. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An educated non-specialist might recognise it from popular science.
Technical
The primary context of use. Precisely defined and used in experimental protocols, research discussions, and technical specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ribozyme”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribozyme”
- Misspelling as 'ribozime' or 'rybozyme'.
- Incorrectly assuming all enzymes are proteins (ribozymes are the key exception).
- Confusing ribozymes with ribosomes in speech/writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, ribozymes are made of ribonucleic acid (RNA). They are the key exception to the historical rule that all biological catalysts (enzymes) are proteins.
The ribosome itself contains a ribosomal RNA (rRNA) that performs the peptidyl transferase reaction, a core catalytic function in protein synthesis. Smaller, well-studied examples include the hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes.
It fundamentally altered biochemical dogma by proving RNA could be a catalyst, not just an information carrier. This provided strong support for the 'RNA World' hypothesis about the origins of life.
Yes, engineered ribozymes (and similar DNA enzymes called DNAzymes) are being researched as potential therapeutic agents to cleave specific viral or defective RNA sequences, and as tools in synthetic biology.
A molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme, catalyzing chemical reactions within cells.
Ribozyme is usually highly technical/scientific (biology, biochemistry, molecular biology). in register.
Ribozyme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrʌɪbə(ʊ)zʌɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈraɪboʊˌzaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RIBO (as in RIBOsome or RIBOnucleic acid) + ZYME (as in enZYME). It's an RNA molecule that acts like an enzyme.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL/SCISSORS (for ribozymes that cleave RNA); A WORKSHOP/FACTORY (for its catalytic function).
Practice
Quiz
What is a ribozyme?