18S rRNA

The 18S rRNA is a fundamental component of the small subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes, which are the cell’s protein-building machines. It is a specific type of RNA molecule that helps assemble ribosomes and plays a crucial role in translating genetic instructions into proteins. Because it is highly conserved across different species, scientists use the 18S rRNA gene as a molecular marker to identify and compare organisms, especially in studying microbial diversity and evolutionary relationships. Essentially, 18S rRNA serves as a molecular fingerprint that helps us understand the classification and genetic relatedness of various eukaryotic organisms.