Summary
A small particle of RNA and protein that assembles amino acids into polypeptides during translation.
In depth
Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein machines with a large and small subunit; prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes and eukaryotes 80S. The small subunit reads the mRNA and the large one catalyses peptide bonds through its rRNA, making the ribosome a ribozyme.
Free ribosomes make proteins used inside the cell, while ribosomes bound to the rough ER make secreted, membrane and lysosomal proteins. Many ribosomes can read one mRNA at once, forming a polysome.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ribosome?
A small particle of RNA and protein that assembles amino acids into polypeptides during translation.
Which area of biology covers Ribosome, and how advanced is it?
Ribosome is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Signal Recognition Particle, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Cytoplasm.
Can you give an example of Ribosome?
Antibiotics such as streptomycin selectively block bacterial 70S ribosomes, which is why they harm bacteria but not human cells.
What should I learn before Ribosome?
Ribosome is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Cell Biology that pair well with it include Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell.
What topics are related to Ribosome?
The closest topics to Ribosome are Signal Recognition Particle, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Cytoplasm, Plasma Membrane. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ribosome?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ribosome. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Ribosome different from Signal Recognition Particle?
Ribosome: A small particle of RNA and protein that assembles amino acids into polypeptides during translation. Signal Recognition Particle: A ribonucleoprotein that guides ribosomes making secretory proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ribosome step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Signal Recognition Particle and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.