Question

Which macromolecule(s) is/are critical in the active site of the ribosome for catalysis of peptide bond formation? Choose one:

A. ribosomal RNA, protein, and carbohydrate
B. ribosomal protein
C. ribosomal RNA and protein
D. ribosomal RNA
E. ribosomal carbohydrate

Answer 1

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is critical in the active site of the ribosome for the catalysis of peptide bond formation due to its peptidyl transferase enzymatic activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The macromolecule(s) critical in the active site of the ribosome for catalysis of peptide bond formation is ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and proteins, with rRNA playing a pivotal role. Not only does rRNA provide a scaffold for the correct alignment of mRNA and tRNA, but it also has an essential enzymatic activity known as peptidyl transferase, which is responsible for catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during protein synthesis. This discovery was so significant that it contributed to the awarding of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to scientists including Thomas Steitz for their work on the structure of the ribosome.