What percentage of ribosomes' mass is composed of rRNA?

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

What percentage of ribosomes' mass is composed of rRNA?

Explanation:
Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein complexes, meaning RNA and protein both contribute to their structure and function, but the RNA portion forms the bulk of the mass. The rRNA molecules create the scaffold and the catalytic center, so they make up roughly two-thirds of the ribosome’s mass, with ribosomal proteins contributing the remaining one-third. In both bacteria and eukaryotes, this translates to about 60–65% of the mass being rRNA, which is why the commonly cited figure is around 65%.

Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein complexes, meaning RNA and protein both contribute to their structure and function, but the RNA portion forms the bulk of the mass. The rRNA molecules create the scaffold and the catalytic center, so they make up roughly two-thirds of the ribosome’s mass, with ribosomal proteins contributing the remaining one-third. In both bacteria and eukaryotes, this translates to about 60–65% of the mass being rRNA, which is why the commonly cited figure is around 65%.

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