How does ribosomal RNA (rRNA) function in the ribosome?

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a crucial component of ribosomes, the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs. Its primary function is to form the core structural framework of the ribosome, providing the necessary architecture for the assembly of proteins. rRNA is not merely a passive structural element; it also plays an active role in the process of translation, which is the synthesis of proteins from amino acids based on the information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA).

In the ribosome, rRNA helps in the positioning of the mRNA and the transfer RNA (tRNA) so that amino acids can be linked together to form a polypeptide chain. It catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, thereby facilitating the construction of proteins. This ability to not only support structural integrity but also to participate directly in the biochemical reactions during protein synthesis underscores the functional importance of rRNA in the ribosome.

By focusing on these roles, it becomes evident why this answer is the most accurate representation of rRNA's functions in the ribosome.