Metal ions, such as magnesium (Mg²⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺), are often essential for the catalytic activity of ribozymes and ribonucleases. These metal ions can stabilize the negative charges on the RNA backbone, facilitate nucleophilic attack on the phosphodiester bond, and stabilize the transition state. The precise coordination of metal ions within the active site is critical for efficient RNA cleavage.
