Ribosomes-featured

Ribosomes -The Protein Factory

Overview

The non-membranous bounded structures are the sites where the synthesis of proteins according to genetic instructions takes place.

These contain an equal amount of proteins and rRNA. Ribosomes may be suspended in cytoplasm. Some are attached to the outside of endoplasmic reticulum.

Each ribosome has two subunits. The ribosomal subunits are constructed in the nucleolus from RNA in eukaryotes. The subunits join to form functional ribosomes.

The prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than in eukaryotes. They also differ in their molecular composition. Certain drugs can affect prokaryotic ribosomes but have no effect on eukaryotic ribosomes.

The ribosome plays a significant role in translating the genetic message.

This message is carried by mRNA from the nucleus to cytoplasm and translated into ribosomes. It forms the primary structure of a polypeptide chain.

What are Ribosomes?

A ribosome is a cell organelle. The ribosome word is derived– ‘ribo’ from ribonucleic acid and ‘somes’ from the Greek word ‘soma’ which means ‘body’.

Ribosomes are small spheroidal thick particles (of 150 to 200 Å diameters) that are primarily found in most prokaryotic and eukaryotic. They are structures including approximately equal amounts of RNA and proteins and act as a scaffold for the ordered interaction of the various particles involved in protein synthesis.

The number of ribosomes in a cell depends upon the activity of the cell. On average in a mammalian cell, there can be about 10 million ribosomes.

Size of Ribosomes

Ribosomes comprise 2 subunits that are suitably composed and function as one to translate the mRNA into a polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. Due to the fact that they are made from 2 subunits of differing sizes, they are a little bit longer in the hinge than in diameter. They differ in size between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

Occurrence of Ribosomes

In eukaryotes, ribosomes can commonly be discovered in the cytosol of a cell, the endoplasmic reticulum, or mRNA, in addition to the matrix of the mitochondria. Proteins manufactured in each of these places serve a different function in the cell. In prokaryotes, ribosomes can be found in the cytosol too.

Structure of Ribosomes

Ribosomes have an extremely comparable structure throughout all types of life. Researchers attribute this to the ribosome being a very reliable and efficient method of manufacturing proteins. Thus, early in the evolution of the different types of life, the ribosome was widely adopted as the technique for translating RNA into proteins.

Ribosomes, therefore, change very little between different organisms. Ribosomes consist of a large and small subunit, which come together around an mRNA molecule when translation takes place. Each subunit is a combination of proteins and RNA, called ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

This rRNA is present in different strands of various lengths and is surrounded by the various proteins that create a ribosome. The rRNA acts both to secure the mRNA and tRNA in the ribosome, and as a catalyst to speed the formation of peptide bonds in between amino acids.

Ribosomes-Structure

The small subunit helps to hold the mRNA in place as the ribosome equates it into protein. The larger subunit has numerous sites included with different parts of the protein synthesis process. When the tRNA first binds to the mRNA, the P site can bind to these molecules.

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The P site is called after the polymerization, or building of polymers, that occurs there. Conformational modifications take place in the proteins of the ribosome which triggers it to change shapes throughout the different actions of protein synthesis. As amino acids are contributed to the chain, tRNAs move from the A site (where new amino acids with tRNAs enter) to the P site, and eventually to the E site (not visualized), where they exit the ribosome without their amino acid.

The rRNA that is connected with the ribosome assists connect to the tRNAs as they move through the ribosome, and has actually been found to help catalyze the formation of peptide bonds. This RNA is known as a ribozyme or RNA catalyst.

Function of Ribosomes

When it comes to the primary functions of ribosomes, they assume the role of combining amino acids to form particular proteins, which are necessary for completing the cell’s activities. Protein is needed for many cell functions, for instance, directing chemical procedures or repairing the damage.

When are ribosomes utilized in the process of protein synthesis? When the cell requires to make a protein, mRNA is created in the nucleus. The mRNA is then sent to the nucleus and to the ribosomes. When it is time to make the protein, the two subunits come together and combine with the mRNA. The subunits lock onto the mRNA and begin the protein synthesis.

Ribosomes-Function

The procedure of making proteins is rather simple. First, you require an amino acid. Another nucleic acid that lives in the cell is transfer RNA. tRNA is bonded to the amino acids floating around the cell. With the mRNA offering instructions, the ribosome connects to a tRNA and pulls off one amino acid.

The tRNA is then released back into the cell and connects to another amino acid. The ribosome constructs a long amino acid (polypeptide) chain that will become part of a larger protein.

Distinction between eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosome

The ribosomes which exist inside bacteria, parasites, and different creatures, for example, lower and microscopic organisms are the ones that are called prokaryotic ribosomes. While those ribosomes which are present inside humans and others such as higher creatures are those ones, we call the eukaryotic ribosome.

eukaryotic-prokaryotic

  1. Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes, singly made from a 30S and a 50S subunit. While the Eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes, singly made from a 40S and 60S subunit.
  2. 70S Ribosomes are fairly smaller than 80S while the 80S Ribosomes are reasonably larger than 70S ribosomes.
  3. Prokaryotes have a 30S subunit with a 16S RNA subunit and comprise 1540 nucleotides bound to 21 proteins. The 50S subunit gets produced from a five RNA subunit that involves 120 nucleotides, a 23S RNA subunit that contains 2900 nucleotides, and 31 proteins.
  4. Eukaryotes have a 40S subunit with 18S RNA and likewise 33 proteins and 1900 nucleotides. The large subunit includes 5S RNA and also 120 nucleotides, 4700 nucleotides and also 28S RNA, 5.8 S RNA as well as 160 nucleotides subunits and 46 proteins.
  5. Eukaryotic cells have mitochondria and chloroplasts as organelles and those organelles furthermore have ribosomes 70S. For this reason, eukaryotic cells have different sorts of ribosomes (70S and 80S), while prokaryotic cells simply have 70S ribosomes.

MCQs with Answers:

  1. What is the primary function of ribosomes?
    • A) Energy production
    • B) Protein synthesis
    • C) DNA replication
    • D) Cell division
    • Answer: B) Protein synthesis
  2. How are ribosomes categorized in terms of occurrence?
    • A) Membrane-bound
    • B) Non-membranous
    • C) Mitochondrial
    • D) Both A and B
    • Answer: B) Non-membranous
  3. What is the origin of the term “ribosome”?
    • A) Latin
    • B) Greek
    • C) Sanskrit
    • D) Arabic
    • Answer: B) Greek
  4. Where are ribosomes primarily found in eukaryotic cells?
    • A) Nucleus
    • B) Endoplasmic reticulum
    • C) Mitochondria
    • D) All of the above
    • Answer: D) All of the above
  5. What is the average number of ribosomes in a mammalian cell?
    • A) 1 million
    • B) 5 million
    • C) 10 million
    • D) 20 million
    • Answer: C) 10 million
  6. Which statement about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?
    • A) Larger than eukaryotic ribosomes
    • B) Have no effect from certain drugs
    • C) Synthesized in the nucleus
    • D) Only found in the endoplasmic reticulum
    • Answer: B) Have no effect from certain drugs
  7. What is the primary role of rRNA in ribosomes?
    • A) Protecting mRNA
    • B) Catalyzing peptide bond formation
    • C) Storing genetic instructions
    • D) Facilitating cell division
    • Answer: B) Catalyzing peptide bond formation
  8. How does the size of prokaryotic ribosomes compare to eukaryotic ribosomes?
    • A) Prokaryotic ribosomes are larger
    • B) Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger
    • C) They are of the same size
    • D) Prokaryotic ribosomes are longer
    • Answer: A) Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller
  9. What is the function of the P site in a ribosome during protein synthesis?
    • A) Exit site for tRNA
    • B) Binding site for mRNA
    • C) Site for peptide bond formation
    • D) Building amino acid chains
    • Answer: C) Site for peptide bond formation
  10. When does protein synthesis occur in a cell?
    • A) During cell division
    • B) When ribosomes are inactive
    • C) When mRNA is transcribed
    • D) When needed by the cell
    • Answer: D) When needed by the cell
  11. What initiates the process of protein synthesis in a cell?
    • A) tRNA
    • B) Ribosomal subunits
    • C) mRNA
    • D) Amino acids
    • Answer: C) mRNA
  12. What distinguishes eukaryotic ribosomes from prokaryotic ribosomes?
    • A) Molecular composition
    • B) Size and origin
    • C) Functionality
    • D) Presence of rRNA
    • Answer: B) Size and origin
  13. Which organelles in eukaryotic cells have 70S ribosomes?
    • A) Nucleus
    • B) Endoplasmic reticulum
    • C) Mitochondria and chloroplasts
    • D) Golgi apparatus
    • Answer: C) Mitochondria and chloroplasts
  14. How many subunits make up a prokaryotic ribosome?
    • A) One
    • B) Two
    • C) Three
    • D) Four
    • Answer: B) Two
  15. What is the primary function of the small subunit of a ribosome?
    • A) Catalyzing peptide bond formation
    • B) Holding mRNA in place
    • C) Initiating protein synthesis
    • D) Building amino acid chains
    • Answer: B) Holding mRNA in place
  16. What is the significance of the term “ribo” in ribosome?
    • A) Nucleic acid
    • B) Protein
    • C) RNA
    • D) Cell
    • Answer: C) RNA
  17. How do prokaryotic ribosomes differ from eukaryotic ribosomes in terms of nucleotide composition?
    • A) Prokaryotes have longer nucleotides
    • B) Eukaryotes have more proteins in nucleotides
    • C) Prokaryotes have 80S ribosomes
    • D) Eukaryotes have different rRNA and more nucleotides
    • Answer: D) Eukaryotes have different rRNA and more nucleotides
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ribosomes:

  1. What is the primary function of ribosomes?
    • Ribosomes are the sites where the synthesis of proteins occurs according to genetic instructions.
  2. How are ribosomes categorized in terms of occurrence?
    • Ribosomes are non-membranous bounded structures and can be found in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, and attached to the outside of the endoplasmic reticulum.
  3. What is the origin of the term “ribosome”?
    • The term “ribosome” is derived from the Greek words “ribo” (from ribonucleic acid) and “soma” (meaning “body”).
  4. How many subunits do ribosomes have, and where are they constructed in eukaryotes?
    • Ribosomes have two subunits, and in eukaryotes, they are constructed in the nucleolus from RNA.
  5. How do prokaryotic ribosomes differ from eukaryotic ribosomes in terms of size?
    • Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes.
  6. Where can ribosomes be commonly found in eukaryotic cells?
    • Ribosomes can be found in the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and the matrix of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.
  7. What is the average number of ribosomes in a mammalian cell?
    • On average, a mammalian cell can have about 10 million ribosomes.
  8. What is the role of rRNA in ribosomes?
    • rRNA acts as a scaffold and catalyst, securing mRNA and tRNA in the ribosome and speeding the formation of peptide bonds.
  9. How does the structure of ribosomes change during protein synthesis?
    • The ribosome undergoes conformational changes, and the small subunit holds mRNA in place, while the larger subunit has sites for various steps in protein synthesis.
  10. What is the function of the P site in a ribosome during protein synthesis?
    • The P site is the site for peptide bond formation during protein synthesis.
  11. When are ribosomes utilized in the process of protein synthesis?
    • Ribosomes are utilized when the cell needs to make a protein, and mRNA is sent to the ribosomes for translation.
  12. How does the process of making proteins occur in a cell?
    • Proteins are made by combining amino acids using tRNA, guided by mRNA instructions in the ribosome.
  13. What distinguishes eukaryotic ribosomes from prokaryotic ribosomes?
    • Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger (80S) and have different nucleotide compositions compared to prokaryotic ribosomes (70S).
  14. Do eukaryotic cells have both 70S and 80S ribosomes?
    • Yes, eukaryotic cells have different types of ribosomes (70S and 80S), while prokaryotic cells have only 70S ribosomes.
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Summary: Ribosomes – The Protein Factory Tutorial

This Ribosomes tutorial provides a comprehensive understanding of ribosomes, crucial cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Key points covered:

1. Overview:

  • Ribosomes are non-membranous structures where protein synthesis occurs based on genetic instructions.
  • They consist of equal amounts of proteins and rRNA, found in the cytoplasm and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

2. What are Ribosomes?

  • A ribosome is a cell organelle derived from “ribo” (ribonucleic acid) and “somes” (Greek for body).
  • Small spheroidal particles, approximately 150 to 200 Å in diameter, found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • The number of ribosomes in a cell depends on its activity, averaging around 10 million in mammalian cells.

3. Size of Ribosomes:

  • Ribosomes consist of two subunits that function together to translate mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
  • Vary in size between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

4. Occurrence of Ribosomes:

  • In eukaryotes, ribosomes are found in the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, mRNA, and the matrix of mitochondria.
  • In prokaryotes, ribosomes are present in the cytosol.

5. Structure of Ribosomes:

  • Ribosomes have a highly similar structure across different life forms.
  • Composed of large and small subunits, combining around mRNA during translation.
  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins make up the subunits, playing a crucial role in catalyzing peptide bond formation.

6. Function of Ribosomes:

  • Ribosomes play a pivotal role in combining amino acids to form proteins, essential for various cellular activities.
  • Involved in protein synthesis, guided by mRNA instructions, and utilizing transfer RNA (tRNA).

7. Distinction between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Ribosomes:

  • Prokaryotic ribosomes (70S) are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes (80S).
  • Prokaryotes have 30S and 50S subunits, while eukaryotes have 40S and 60S subunits.
  • Eukaryotic cells have both 70S and 80S ribosomes due to organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

This tutorial provides a detailed exploration of ribosomes, emphasizing their structural, functional, and contextual differences across cellular organisms.