What is the function of ribosomal RNA?

• A. It is found in ribosomes and participates in peptidyl transferase activity
• B. It is found in ribosomes and assists in binding mRNA and tRNA during translation
• C. It transports amino acids to the ribosome
• D. It encodes ribosomal proteins

Answer: (A)

Ribosomal RNA acts as both a structural and catalytic component of the ribosome, and its most important function here is forming the peptidyl transferase center that catalyzes peptide bond formation between amino acids during protein synthesis. This catalytic role—rRNA acting as a ribozyme—is what drives the chemical linking of amino acids, making the ribosome work as an enzyme as well as a scaffold. While rRNA does help organize the machinery and participate in coordinating mRNA and tRNA during translation, the defining function highlighted by this option is its catalytic action in forming peptide bonds. Transport of amino acids is the job of tRNA, and ribosomal proteins are encoded separately and do not themselves encode the rRNA.