23S ribosomal RNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit (23S rRNA)

23S ribosomal RNA is a large structural and catalytic non-coding RNA comprising about 2,900 nucleotides (in *E. coli*) and is an essential component of the 50S large subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome[3][4][1][8]. It forms the core of the peptidyl transferase center, which is responsible for catalyzing peptide bond formation during protein synthesis, and provides structural scaffolding for ribosomal proteins and functional sites including tRNA binding[2][3]. The 23S rRNA is divided into six major domains (I-VI), each contributing to ribosome architecture and function[4][8]. Domain V, in particular, contains the major antibiotic-binding sites targeted by several classes of clinically important antibacterial agents, such as macrolides and chloramphenicol[3]. Mutations or chemical modifications in specific nucleotides within the 23S rRNA can disrupt ribosome assembly, impair catalysis, or confer antibiotic resistance, making it both an essential biosynthetic enzyme (ribozyme) and a key antibacterial drug target in pathogenic bacteria[3][1][5][6][7].

Other names

23S large subunit ribosomal RNAPeptidyl transferase RNA23S rRNA of 50S ribosomal subunit

Inhibition of peptide bond formation (e.g., via binding at the peptidyl transferase center); Inhibition of aminoacyl-tRNA binding or translocation; Allosteric inhibition of ribosome assembly or function