Ribonuclease P catalysis differs from ribosomal RNA self-splicing.

Two RNA-catalyzed reactions have been described, the Tetrahymena self-splicing ribosomal RNA and ribonuclease P. The Tetrahymena self-splicing reaction proceeds through a transesterification cascade that is dependent upon nucleophilic attacks by ribose 3'-OH groups. Periodate oxidation of the catalytic (or substrate) RNA, which destroys the nucleophilicity of RNA 3' termini, did not inhibit ribonuclease P activity. Thus, catalysis by ribonuclease P differs from the self-splicing reaction.