Ribonucleases, often abbreviated as RNases, are enzymes that catalyze the degradation of RNA molecules. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including RNA processing, turnover, and regulation. By breaking down RNA, these enzymes help maintain cellular RNA levels and ensure proper gene expression. There are several types of ribonucleases, each with specific functions and mechanisms. For example, RNase A is a well-studied ribonuclease that cleaves RNA at specific sites, while RNase H degrades the RNA strand of RNA-DNA hybrids. Understanding ribonucleases is essential for research in molecular biology and biotechnology.