Final answer:
RNA molecules with enzymatic properties are called ribozymes. They play crucial roles in RNA splicing and protein synthesis, showing RNA's vital function in biological processes and supporting the RNA-first hypothesis about the origin of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA molecules that possess enzymatic or catalytic abilities are known as ribozymes. These ribozymes are capable of catalyzing various biochemical reactions, which is a function traditionally associated with proteins or protein enzymes. Notably, the rRNA within ribosomes displays such catalytic activity, playing a crucial role in the peptide bond formation during protein synthesis. This rRNA-based enzymatic function evidences the broader capabilities of RNA beyond merely coding and decoding genetic information.
Ribozymes are key to many biological processes. For instance, they are involved in the splicing of RNA, repairing RNA, and the synthesis of proteins within ribosomes. The discovery of these catalytic RNAs broadened our understanding of the molecular biology, highlighting RNA's versatility and fundamental role in life's processes. The diverse functionalities of ribozymes even support hypotheses about the early origins of life, such as the RNA-first hypothesis, which postulates RNA's central role in prebiotic chemistry and the evolution of life on Earth.