5S ribosomal RNA

5S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a small but essential component of the ribosome, the cell’s protein-making machinery. Found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the "5S" refers to its size, about 120 nucleotides long. It helps maintain the structure of the ribosome and plays a role in coordinating how proteins are assembled from amino acids. Essentially, 5S rRNA acts as a scaffold, ensuring the ribosome maintains its shape and functions correctly during the process of translating genetic instructions into proteins.