18S ribosomal RNA

18S ribosomal RNA (abbreviated 18S rRNA) is a part of the ribosomal RNA. The S in 18S represents Svedberg units. 18S rRNA is an SSU rRNA, a component of the eukaryotic ribosomal small subunit (40S). 18S rRNA is the structural RNA for the small component of eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes, and thus one of the basic components of all eukaryotic cells.

18S rRNA is the eukaryotic cytosolic homologue of 16S ribosomal RNA in prokaryotes and plastids. 18S rRNA is also a homologue of 12S ribosomal RNA in mitochondria.

The genes coding for 18S rRNA are referred to as 18S rRNA genes. Sequence data from these genes is widely used in molecular analysis to reconstruct the evolutionary history of organisms, especially in vertebrates, as its slow evolutionary rate makes it suitable to reconstruct ancient divergences.

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