Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

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What is the function of rRNA?

Enhances the structure of DNA
Makes up part of the ribosome and helps build proteins
Encodes genetic information
Transports molecules across membranes

The correct answer is: Makes up part of the ribosome and helps build proteins

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. It is a fundamental component of ribosomes, which are the sites where proteins are assembled from amino acids. The primary function of rRNA is twofold: it provides structural support to the ribosome, ensuring its integrity, and it catalyzes the biochemical reactions that link amino acids together to form proteins during translation. This process is essential for the expression of genes and the overall functioning of cells, as proteins are vital for virtually all cellular activities. Unlike DNA, which carries the genetic instructions, rRNA is involved specifically in the translation process, making it integral to protein synthesis rather than encoding or transporting genetic information.