Ribonuclease bound to transfer RNA. Computer model showing the molecular structure of a ribonuclease Z (RNase Z, blue) enzyme bound to a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule (red). RNase is a type of nuclease that catalyses the degradation of RNA (ribonucleic acid) into smaller components in preparation for other genetic processes. tRNA is RNA that transfers a specific active amino acid to a growing polypeptide chain at the site of protein synthesis during gene translation. RNase Z causes conformational changes in both molecules to promote reorganization of the catalytic site and tRNA cleavage.