Final answer:
2) enzymes; ribozymes. Catalytic proteins are called enzymes, and catalytic RNA molecules are called ribozymes. The correct answer to the question is option 2) enzymes; ribozymes. Enzymes are protein molecules catalyzing biochemical reactions, whereas ribozymes are catalytic RNA involved in processes such as protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catalytic proteins are known as enzymes, whereas catalytic RNA molecules are known as ribozymes. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 2) enzymes; ribozymes.
Enzymes are naturally occurring protein molecules that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions within living organisms, affecting the rate at which reactions occur without being consumed in the process. Each enzyme is specific to its substrate and can facilitate various types of reactions. They play a fundamental role in processes ranging from digestion to DNA replication.
On the other hand, ribozymes are RNA molecules that also have catalytic capabilities, showcasing that not all biocatalysts are proteins. The discovery of ribozymes was groundbreaking, as it expanded our understanding of the functional capabilities of RNA beyond its role in genetic information transfer. Ribozymes like those found in the ribosome's structure participate in the crucial process of protein synthesis, demonstrating that RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze biochemical reactions.
This reinforces the intriguing RNA world hypothesis, suggesting that an early form of life may have relied solely on RNA for both genetic information storage and catalysis, prior to the evolution of DNA and proteins.