Final answer:
The catalytic component of peptidyl transferase in the 50S ribosomal subunit is an RNA-based enzyme that catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies of the crystal structure of the 50S ribosomal subunit have revealed that the catalytic component of peptidyl transferase is an RNA-based enzyme that is integrated into the ribosome. Peptidyl transferase catalyzes the crucial biochemical process of forming peptide bonds during protein synthesis.
During translation, it connects the amino group of the amino acid attached to the A-site tRNA to the carboxyl group of the amino acid attached to the P-site tRNA, thus facilitating the growth of the polypeptide chain.