The class DSL ribozyme is one of artificial RNA enzymes generated by module-based molecular design. In the structure of this ribozyme, two most important functional modules are connected by a U-A base-pair. We have examined the possible importance of this base-pair by site-directed mutation experiments using the DSL-1S ribozyme and its derivative possessing altered modular organization. The analysis indicated that the DSL-1S ribozyme preferred U-A pair at the positions whereas the derivative preferred A-U pair.