ribosomal rna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “ribosomal rna” mean?
The specific type of RNA that forms the structural and catalytic core of a ribosome, the cellular machine that synthesizes proteins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The specific type of RNA that forms the structural and catalytic core of a ribosome, the cellular machine that synthesizes proteins.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a non-coding RNA essential for protein synthesis. It combines with ribosomal proteins to form ribosomes, where it facilitates the decoding of mRNA and the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Different rRNA molecules (e.g., 16S, 18S, 5S) are classified by their size and are highly conserved across species, making them useful for evolutionary studies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation. The spelling 'ribosomal' is consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ribosomal rna” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] ribosomal RNA was sequenced.Ribosomal RNA [VERB] essential functions.Researchers analysed the [NOUN]'s ribosomal RNA.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ribosomal rna” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ribosomal RNA component is highly conserved.
- They studied ribosomal RNA evolution.
American English
- The ribosomal RNA genes were cloned.
- Ribosomal RNA sequencing is standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary and exclusive context of use. Essential in lab reports, research articles, and technical specifications in life sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ribosomal rna”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribosomal rna”
- Misspelling as 'ribosomial RNA'.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'Ribosomal Rna'.
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a ribosomal RNA') when referring to the class; it's usually uncountable (e.g., 'the amount of ribosomal RNA'). Specific types are countable (e.g., 'the 16S and 23S rRNAs').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
rRNA stands for ribosomal RNA.
No, they are completely different. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and catalytic part of the ribosome, while messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the protein-coding instructions from DNA.
Ribosomal RNA sequences evolve slowly and are present in all living organisms, making them excellent molecular clocks for comparing species and constructing phylogenetic trees.
In eukaryotes, rRNA is transcribed from DNA in a specialized region of the nucleus called the nucleolus. In prokaryotes, it is transcribed in the cytoplasm.
The specific type of RNA that forms the structural and catalytic core of a ribosome, the cellular machine that synthesizes proteins.
Ribosomal rna is usually scientific / technical in register.
Ribosomal rna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪbəˈsəʊməl ɑːr ɛn ˈeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪbəˈsoʊməl ˌɑːr ɛn ˈeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the acronym rRNA: 'R' for the 'Rib' in Ribosome and 'RNA' for its type. It's the RNA that builds the ribosome's core.
Conceptual Metaphor
The architectural blueprint and machinery operator. rRNA provides the scaffold (structure) and the active workshop (catalytic site) for building proteins.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?