ribozyme

noun

ri·​bo·​zyme ˈrī-bə-ˌzīm How to pronounce ribozyme (audio)
: a molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme (as by catalyzing the cleavage of other RNA molecules)

Examples of ribozyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This second complete ribozyme speeds up the assembly of the third pair, and this third ribozyme speeds up the union of the first pair. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2012 And Attwater found that one such ribozyme called R18 is still active at subzero temperatures. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2010 In fact, ice actually stabilised the ribozyme, preventing it from breaking down. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2010 In a truly cooperative system, one ribozyme would speed up the replication of another. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2012 The researchers then subjected the pool of ribozymes to a challenge. Quanta Magazine, 25 Aug. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ribozyme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid + enzyme

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ribozyme was in 1982

Dictionary Entries Near ribozyme

Cite this Entry

“Ribozyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribozyme. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ribozyme

noun
ri·​bo·​zyme ˈrī-bə-ˌzīm How to pronounce ribozyme (audio)
: a molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme (as by catalyzing the cleavage of other RNA molecules)

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