A ribosome is the cellular machinery responsible for making proteins. It is essential for all living cells.
Structure of a Ribosome
Ribosomes are not single units; they are composed of two subunits.
- Two Subunits: Each ribosome has a large and small subunit.
- Assembly: These subunits assemble around a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule.
Function of a Ribosome
The primary role of a ribosome is to synthesize proteins by reading the genetic code found in mRNA.
- mRNA Binding: The ribosome binds to the mRNA molecule.
- Codon Reading: It then moves along the mRNA, reading each three-letter sequence called a codon.
- Protein Synthesis: Based on the codons, it assembles amino acids into polypeptide chains, which then fold to create functional proteins.
Importance of Ribosomes
Ribosomes are vital for life as they synthesize all proteins needed for cellular function.
- Ubiquitous: They are found in all cells, from bacteria to human cells.
- Essential: Without ribosomes, cells could not produce the proteins necessary for their survival and function.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Protein synthesis |
| Structure | Two subunits, large and small |
| Mechanism | Reads mRNA codons and assembles amino acids into proteins |
| Location | Found in all cells |
In summary, the ribosome is the essential cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis, consisting of two subunits that move along mRNA, reading codons to assemble amino acids into proteins.
