What is one of the primary roles of catalytic RNA?

One of the primary roles of catalytic RNA, also known as ribozymes, is to catalyze chemical reactions. This distinguishes ribozymes from other RNA types that primarily serve as templates for protein synthesis or play structural roles. Ribozymes can facilitate various biochemical reactions, including the cleavage and ligation of RNA strands, and they can even catalyze peptide bond formation in some contexts, showcasing their versatility in the cell.

This catalytic property is significant because it suggests that RNA molecules can possess enzymatic activities, which supports theories about the early evolution of life, where RNA may have played a central role in both genetic information storage and catalysis before the evolution of current protein-based enzymes. Thus, understanding the role of catalytic RNA is fundamental in molecular biology and evolutionary studies.