1) Included in the analysis of the ribozyme kinetic data are Michaelis constants and catalysis rate constants (kcat). How do the values for the Diels-Alderase ribozyme compare to protein enzymes found in living organisms? For reference, it may be helpful to consult Lecture 2-8 slide 16.
2) Part of the investigation included an examination of different maleimide-functionalized ligands, with and without the linker and biotin attached. Why was this done, and what do the results suggest about the role of the biotin moeity with respect to ribozyme activity?
3) RNA is a homochiral polymer typically made up exclusively of D-ribose building blocks. However in this study, they also used L-ribose as a building block for a mirror image ribozyme catalyst. Why was this done? What does it show about how chirality influences the activity of the ribozyme?
4) General thoughts or opinions as well
