What is the characteristic structure of catalytic RNA?

What is the characteristic structure of catalytic RNA?

• A. Double-stranded
• B. Four base strands
• C. Single-stranded
• D. Triple helix

Answer: (C)

Catalytic RNA (ribozymes) work because a single RNA molecule can fold into a precise three-dimensional shape that brings together chemical groups to form an active site. Although it is one strand, it readily forms intramolecular base-pairing that creates stems, loops, and other motifs, configuring the molecule into a functional structure. This folding into a unique, single-stranded RNA shape is what enables catalysis, rather than needing a long double-stranded RNA duplex. The other options describe structures (double-stranded, four base strands, triple helix) that don’t characterize how ribozymes achieve their catalytic geometry.

Catalytic RNA (ribozymes) work because a single RNA molecule can fold into a precise three-dimensional shape that brings together chemical groups to form an active site. Although it is one strand, it readily forms intramolecular base-pairing that creates stems, loops, and other motifs, configuring the molecule into a functional structure. This folding into a unique, single-stranded RNA shape is what enables catalysis, rather than needing a long double-stranded RNA duplex. The other options describe structures (double-stranded, four base strands, triple helix) that don’t characterize how ribozymes achieve their catalytic geometry.