Enzymes function by stabilizing reaction transition states; therefore, comparison of the transition states of enzymatic and nonenzymatic model reactions can provide insight into biological catalysis. Catalysis of RNA 2′-O-transphosphorylation by ribonuclease A is proposed to involve electrostatic stabilization and acid/ base catalysis, although the structure of the rate-limiting transition state is uncertain. Here, we describe coordinated kinetic isotope effect (KIE) analyses, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanical calculations to model the transition state and mechanism of RNase A. Comparison of the 18 O KIEs on the 2′O nucleophile, 5′O leaving group, and nonbridging phosphoryl oxygens for RNase A to values observed for hydronium-or hydroxide-catalyzed reactions indicate a late anionic transition state. Molecular dynamics simulations using an anionic phosphorane transition state mimic suggest that H-bonding by protonated His12 and Lys41 stabilizes the transition state by neutralizing the negative charge on the nonbridging phosphoryl oxygens. Quantum mechanical calculations consistent with the experimental KIEs indicate that expulsion of the 5′O remains an integral feature of the rate-limiting step both on and off the enzyme. Electrostatic interactions with positively charged amino acid site chains (His12/ Lys41), together with proton transfer from His119, render departure of the 5′O less advanced compared with the solution reaction and stabilize charge buildup in the transition state. The ability to obtain a chemically detailed description of 2′-O-transphosphorylation transition states provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of biological catalysis significantly by determining how the catalytic modes and active site environments of phosphoryl transferases influence transition state structure. E nzymes achieve powerful rate enhancements by providing multiple catalytic modes to stabilize reaction transition states, including electrostatic interactions and proton transfer (1). For RNA 2′-O-transphosphorylation reactions, interactions with acid, base, or metal ion catalysts in solution can influence transition state structure (2). Understanding biological catalysis therefore requires knowledge of chemical mechanisms, transition state structure, and transition state interactions for both enzymatic and nonenzymatic RNA cleavage reactions. Comparisons of enzymatic and nonenzymatic catalysis can provide information on which catalytic modes are used by enzymes and whether unique features of the active site environment may alter the transition state charge distribution (3).RNA undergoes two competing transesterification reactions in solution: isomerization to a 2′,5′-phosphodiester and 2′-Otransphosphorylation to yield a cyclic 2′,3′-phosphodiester with concomitant release of the 5′O-nucleoside (4, 5). Reactions catalyzed by acid and by buffers yield both isomerization and cleavage products and proceed via a pentacoordinated phosphorane intermediate formed by an attack of the 2′OH at the adja...