Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a critical and indispensable role in the process of protein synthesis, also known as translation. This molecule, in conjunction with ribosomal proteins, forms ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for assembling amino acids into polypeptide chains based on the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Specifically, rRNA molecules catalyze peptide bond formation and provide structural support for the ribosome, facilitating the interaction between mRNA and transfer RNA (tRNA).
The importance of rRNA in translation extends to its catalytic function, the actual creation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Furthermore, the structure and integrity of the ribosome, largely determined by rRNA, are essential for maintaining the correct reading frame of the mRNA and ensuring the fidelity of protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA sequences are highly conserved across species, indicating their fundamental and evolutionarily ancient role. Analysis of rRNA sequences has also become a pivotal tool for phylogenetic studies and understanding evolutionary relationships between organisms. The discovery of rRNA’s catalytic activity revolutionized the understanding of enzymes and biological catalysis.
