RIBOSOMAL RNA Meaning and
Definition
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Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that is a constituent of ribosomes, the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. It plays a crucial role in translating the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins.
In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes are composed of two subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit. These subunits are made up of proteins and various types of RNA, with rRNA being the primary component. rRNA molecules are produced in the nucleolus, a region within the cell's nucleus.
rRNA functions by providing a structural framework for ribosomes and promoting the interaction between mRNA and transfer RNA (tRNA) during the translation process. It acts as a scaffold, ensuring the correct alignment of the mRNA and tRNA molecules at the ribosome's catalytic site.
Additionally, rRNA has catalytic activity, playing a crucial role in the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during protein synthesis. Specifically, the peptidyl transferase center, located within the large ribosomal subunit, is responsible for this catalytic activity.
Due to their vital role in protein synthesis, variations in rRNA sequences can have significant impacts on cellular functioning. Differences in rRNA sequences between species can also be used for evolutionary analysis and classification.
In summary, ribosomal RNA is an essential component of ribosomes, playing a crucial role in protein synthesis by providing structural integrity and catalytic activity. It is responsible for the accurate translation of mRNA into proteins and is a fundamental component of cellular machinery.
Common Misspellings for RIBOSOMAL RNA
- eibosomal rna
- dibosomal rna
- fibosomal rna
- tibosomal rna
- 5ibosomal rna
- 4ibosomal rna
- rubosomal rna
- rjbosomal rna
- rkbosomal rna
- robosomal rna
- r9bosomal rna
- r8bosomal rna
- rivosomal rna
- rinosomal rna
- rihosomal rna
- rigosomal rna
- ribisomal rna
- ribksomal rna
- riblsomal rna
- ribpsomal rna
Etymology of RIBOSOMAL RNA
The word "Ribosomal RNA" can be broken down into two parts: "ribosomal" and "RNA".
1. "Ribosomal": The term "ribosomal" is derived from the noun "ribosome". The word "ribosome" originates from the combination of two words: "ribose" and "soma". "Ribose" refers to a sugar molecule called ribose, while "soma" means "body" in Greek. The name "ribosome" was coined by Richard B. Roberts and Ernst Vischer in the 1950s, who discovered these structures in cells. They named them "ribosomes" because they observed that ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins combined to form these granular particles within cells.
2. "RNA": The term "RNA" is an abbreviation for "ribonucleic acid".
