Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by forming the core of ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery where proteins are assembled. rRNA ensures the proper alignment of mRNA and tRNA during translation, facilitating the accurate addition of amino acids to growing polypeptide chains. It also has enzymatic functions that catalyze the formation of peptide bonds, linking amino acids together. Thus, rRNA is essential for translating genetic information into functional proteins, contributing to various cellular processes and overall organismal growth.