Final answer:
In eukaryotes, more than 50% of the RNA in most cells consists of ribosomal RNA. The ribosomal RNA is synthesized and assembled in the nucleolus, and it plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In eukaryotes, more than 50% of the RNA in most cells consists of ribosomal RNA.
The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is an essential component of ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis in cells. In eukaryotes, the rRNA is synthesized and assembled in the nucleolus, a specialized region within the nucleus. The nucleolus produces various forms of rRNA, including the 18S, 28S, and 5.8S rRNA, which collectively make up the majority of the RNA present in cells.
For example, in human cells, the 18S and 28S rRNAs account for approximately 80-90% of the total cellular RNA, with the remaining RNA consisting of messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA).