Ribonucleases (RNases) are mediators in most reactions of RNA metabolism. In recent years, there has been a surge of new information about RNases and the roles they play in cell physiology. In this review, a detailed description of bacterial RNases is presented, focusing primarily on those from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, the model Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, from which most of our current knowledge has been derived. Information from other organisms is also included, where relevant. In an extensive catalog of the known bacterial RNases, their structure, mechanism of action, physiological roles, genetics, and possible regulation are described. The RNase complement of E. coli and B. subtilis is compared, emphasizing the similarities, but especially the differences, between the two. Included are figures showing the three major RNA metabolic pathways in E. coli and B. subtilis and highlighting specific steps in each of the pathways catalyzed by the different RNases. This compilation of the currently available knowledge about bacterial RNases will be a useful tool for workers in the RNA field and for others interested in learning about this area.

核糖核酸酶 (RNase) 是大多数 RNA 代谢反应的介体。近年来，有关 RNase 及其在细胞生理学中所发挥作用的新信息不断涌现。在这篇综述中，详细描述了细菌 RNase，主要关注来自大肠杆菌和枯草芽孢杆菌（革兰氏阴性和革兰氏阳性生物模型）的 RNA 酶，我们当前的大部分知识都是从中得出的。如果相关的话，还包括来自其他生物体的信息。在已知细菌 RNase 的广泛目录中，描述了它们的结构、作用机制、生理作用、遗传学和可能的调控。比较了大肠杆菌和枯草芽孢杆菌的 RNase 补体，强调了两者之间的相似之处，但特别是差异。其中的图片显示了大肠杆菌和枯草芽孢杆菌中的三种主要 RNA 代谢途径，并突出显示了不同 RNase 催化的每种途径中的具体步骤。这份关于细菌 RNase 的当前可用知识的汇编对于 RNA 领域的工作者和其他有兴趣了解该领域的人来说将是一个有用的工具。