Natural Functional Nucleic Acids: Ribozymes and Riboswitches

Natural functional nucleic acids are of primary importance in most cellular processes. Although artificial RNA motifs with functional properties can routinely be generated in research laboratories, the efficiency of their naturally occurring counterparts is hardly matched. Natural ribozymes and riboswitches are examples of Nature's prowess at creating exceedingly good catalysts and ligand-sensing aptamers. This review focuses on natural ribozymes and riboswitches and attempts to highlight how RNA can rival proteins when it comes to show off its capabilities.