Small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) is the smaller of the two major
RNA
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) are nucleic acids. Along with lipids, proteins, and carbohydra ...
components of the
ribosome
Ribosomes ( ) are macromolecular machines, found within all cells, that perform biological protein synthesis (mRNA translation). Ribosomes link amino acids together in the order specified by the codons of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules to ...
.
Associated with a number of
ribosomal protein
A ribosomal protein (r-protein or rProtein) is any of the proteins that, in conjunction with rRNA, make up the ribosomal subunits involved in the cellular process of translation. ''E. coli'', other bacteria and Archaea have a 30S small subunit an ...
s, the SSU rRNA forms the small subunit of the ribosome. It is encoded by SSU-
rDNA.
Characteristics
Use in phylogenetics
SSU rRNA sequences are widely used for determining
evolutionary relationships
Evolution is change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. These characteristics are the expressions of genes, which are passed on from parent to offspring during reproduction. Variation t ...
among organisms, since they are of ancient origin and are found in all known forms of life.
See also
*
LSU rRNA
Large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (LSU rRNA) is the largest of the two major RNA components of the ribosome.
Associated with a number of ribosomal proteins, the LSU rRNA forms the large subunit of the ribosome.
The LSU rRNA acts as a rib ...
: the large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid.
References
{{Ribosome subunits
Ribosomal RNA
Protein biosynthesis