small subunit rRNA

Small subunit rRNA is a component of ribosomes, the cell's protein-making machines. Ribosomes are made of two parts: a large and a small subunit. The small subunit contains ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which helps decode messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This small subunit's rRNA is highly conserved across different organisms, making it useful for identifying and comparing different species. Essentially, it acts as a molecular ruler and translator, ensuring that the correct proteins are assembled in cells.