The first video released of the “RNA Explained Series”, is on the RNA at the Origin of Life Hypothesis and the Nobel Prize awarded for the discovery that RNA has catalytic activitiy.
Scientists discovered that RNA isn’t just a messenger; it can fold into intricate shapes and catalyze reactions. In fact, one RNA molecule was surprisingly found to cut itself in two!
These catalytic RNAs are called "ribozymes," acting as both "the chicken" and "the egg" at the same time. This groundbreaking finding that RNA can catalyze reactions earned Tom Cech and Sidney Altman the Nobel Prize in 1989.
This video explores the RNA World Hypothesis: the idea that life began with RNA. Discover how catalytic RNA paved the way for modern life , and how ribozymes still play important roles today in splicing, translation, and virus replication.