What is the Significance of RNase P's Catalytic RNA Component?
The catalytic RNA component of RNase P, known as the RNA subunit, is unique because it is one of the few known naturally occurring ribozymes. This means that the RNA itself, rather than a protein, carries out the catalytic activity. This discovery was pivotal in expanding our understanding of the catalytic potential of RNA molecules, providing evidence that RNA can serve both as genetic material and as a biocatalyst.
