16S rRNA

16S rRNA is a component of the small subunit of bacterial and archaeal ribosomes, which are essential for protein production. It contains regions that are highly conserved across different species, along with variable regions that allow scientists to identify and classify microorganisms based on their genetic sequences. Because of its stability and variability, 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a powerful tool for determining the identity and evolutionary relationships of bacteria and archaea, aiding in microbiology research, clinical diagnostics, and environmental studies.