Which RNA forms the core of the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation?

Which RNA forms the core of the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation?

• A. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
• B. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
• C. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
• D. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)

Answer: (A)

Peptide bond formation during translation is carried out by the ribosome itself, and the catalytic center is formed by ribosomal RNA. The rRNA in the large subunit creates the peptidyl transferase center, which enables the bond to form between the growing polypeptide on the tRNA in the P site and the incoming aminoacyl-tRNA in the A site. This RNA-based catalysis is why rRNA is the functional core of the ribosome, while the protein components mainly provide support. Messenger RNA serves as the template for the sequence, transfer RNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, and small interfering RNA has regulatory roles; none of these catalyze peptide bonds.

Peptide bond formation during translation is carried out by the ribosome itself, and the catalytic center is formed by ribosomal RNA. The rRNA in the large subunit creates the peptidyl transferase center, which enables the bond to form between the growing polypeptide on the tRNA in the P site and the incoming aminoacyl-tRNA in the A site. This RNA-based catalysis is why rRNA is the functional core of the ribosome, while the protein components mainly provide support. Messenger RNA serves as the template for the sequence, transfer RNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, and small interfering RNA has regulatory roles; none of these catalyze peptide bonds.