16S ribosomal RNA in bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA)

16S ribosomal RNA is the RNA component of the small (30S) subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome, comprising 1,542 nucleotides and serving both as a scaffold for ribosomal proteins and as a functional core for translation. It binds the Shine-Dalgarno sequence to help position mRNA for translation initiation and stabilizes correct codon-anticodon pairing in the decoding site, while key residues in its sequence interact with ribosomal proteins and tRNAs during all stages of protein synthesis. The 16S rRNA gene is highly conserved and serves as a phylogenetic marker for bacterial identification, but is also a therapeutic target for several classes of antibiotics which bind to specific regions of 16S rRNA, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and protein synthesis. Mutations, assembly defects, or antibiotic interactions involving 16S rRNA can disrupt ribosome formation, affect cell viability, or promote antibiotic resistance.

Other names

16S ribosomal RNA16S rRNASSU rRNA (small subunit ribosomal RNA)16S RNA

Inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to 16S rRNA and interfering with the decoding site or tRNA/mRNA positioning (by aminoglycosides/tetracyclines/spectinomycin). Disruption of translation initiation or elongation.