DNAzymes
An enzyme is a catalyst, and a DNAzyme is a DNA molecule with a catalytic action. These substances are also referred to as deoxyribozymes, DNA enzymes, and catalytic DNA.
A DNAzynme is associated with gene replication only, and they exist only in the laboratory, but there they are very powerful. DNAzymes were first used in lead-ion dependent RNA cleaving, and the catalytic action of them was a hundred fold that of the noncatalyzed process. In the ten or so years since, many other DNAzymnes have been created, each with a specific action. DNA ligases are particularly interesting because they are exceptionally chemoselective when applied to RNA branching reactions, with each ligase adhering to only one specific branch. DNAzymes are also of real use as metal biosensors, detecting heavy metals completely organically.
Though RNA enzymes are also highly applicable, DNA enzymes can be made in longer sequence lengths, and more cheaply with a higher purity. They are also highly applicable in nanotechnologies like nanowire production and DNA computing. In many circumstances, the right-handed helix of DNA is a requirement in detection and other applications.
Web Resources On DNAzymes
Modified DNAzymes
RNA cleaving ‘10-23’ DNAzymes with enhanced stability and activity
Book Resources On DNAzymesEnzymes of Nucleic Acid Synthesis and Modification: DNA Enzymes by Samson T. Jacob (Ed)
DNA Topoisomerase Protocols, Volume 1: DNA Topology and Enzymes by Bjornsti et. al
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