Question

Why is it important to understand ribosomal RNA in the classification of cells in all three domains?

Answer 1

It is important to study the rRNA in all the three domains as the phylogenetic tree originates and connects through rRNA. The three domains are archae, bacteria and eukaryotic domains and they are separated based on the 16S rRNA genes. The study of the rRNA is important as it helps in better understanding of the three domain system. The rRNA sequences are different in domains due to the mutation but this also helps in tracing the evolutionary relationships. The function of the rRNA is highly conserved and this helps in better understanding of all the species located in the three domains. The variation in the rRNA helps in distinguishing organism and also maps the evolutionary relationship. The study of evolution of organisms in the three domains can be made by comparing the rRNA sequences. Sequencing the ribosomal RNA helped in finding that organism within prokaryotes formed two distinct and primitive groups. By analyzing and sequence the rRNA it was possible to trace the evolutionary history and create phylogenetic trees.