Dissertation Research: In Vitro Evolution of a Group I Ribozyme: A Study in Sequence, Structure, and Function

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9623303 Dorit Ribozymes are the smallest biological molecules capable of transmitting genetic information and of carrying out biochemical functions. In the research funded by this award, new biological activities for these RNA enzymes will be generated using a novel experimental in vitro system. These experiments explore the molecular basis of biocatalysis, and the ease with which novel enzymatic functions may be evolved. Such questions, fundamental to an understanding of cellular metabolism, have previously been considered only in a theoretical context. The work conducted under this award will reveal the catalytic versatility of these experimentally tractable and biologically important molecules, and help establish guidelines for the development and design of biomolecules of potential diagnostic, therapeutic and environmental utility.