The Double Life of RNA

Lecture 2 – RNA as an Enzyme: Discovery, Origins of Life, and Medical Possibilities

by Thomas R. Cech, PhD

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1. Start of Lecture 2
2. Introduction by HHMI President Dr. Purnell Choppin
3. Review of RNA's dual nature
4. Properties of protein enzymes
5. RNA catalysts are folded RNAs
6. How scientific discoveries are made
7. Why study the protozoan Tetrahymena?
8. DNA transcription and RNA splicing
9. RNA splicing can occur in a test tube
10. RNA splicing occurs without cellular extract
11. In search of the RNA-splicing protein enzyme
12. Recombinant E. coli shows RNA can splice itself
13. RNA enzymes and the origin of life
14. Simulating the origin of life in a test tube
15. Looking for molecular fossils from the origin of life
16. Possible uses of ribozymes to fight diseases
17. Designing ribozymes to attack specific RNAs
18. Fighting retroviruses with ribozymes
19. Correcting mutant RNAs with ribozymes
20. Summary
21. Closing remarks by HHMI President Choppin

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