Ribosomes

Ribosomes are tiny organelles found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating the genetic information from the cell's DNA into functional proteins. Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Structure

Ribosomes are composed of two subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit. These subunits are made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. The small subunit is responsible for reading the mRNA, while the large subunit facilitates the joining of amino acids to form a polypeptide chain.

Function

The main function of ribosomes is to serve as the site of protein synthesis in the cell. They decode the genetic information stored in mRNA and use it to assemble the corresponding amino acids into a specific sequence, forming a functional protein.

Study Guide

1. What are ribosomes and where are they found?
2. Describe the structure of ribosomes.
3. What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
4. Explain the process of protein synthesis by ribosomes.
5. How do ribosomes differ in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

[Ribosomes] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Nucleic acids and protein synthesisBiology • High School
• Plant Structure and functionScience • Fourth Grade
• Cell ReproductionScience • Seventh Grade
• Cells: The Basic Units of LifeScience • Sixth Grade
• Cell processesBiology • High School