Question

Describe the components of eukaryotic ribosomal subunits and the location where the assembly of the subunits occurs within living cells.

Short answer

Eukaryotic ribosomes consist of two subunits (large and small) made up of rRNA and proteins. The large 60S subunit includes 5S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA and about 49 proteins, while the small 40S subunit includes 18S rRNA and about 33 proteins. These subunits are assembled in the nucleolus of the cell.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to eukaryotic ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs. In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes consist of two different subunits, a large and a small one, and these units are made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.

Describe eukaryotic ribosomal subunits

The large subunit of a eukaryotic ribosome is known as 60S and consists of 5S rRNA, 28S rRNA, 5.8S rRNA and about 49 different proteins. The small subunit of a eukaryotic ribosome is known as 40S and consists of 18S rRNA and about 33 different types of proteins.

Location of Assembly

Eukaryotic ribosomal subunits are assembled in the nucleolus, a region within the nucleus of a cell. rRNA genes are transcribed, and the rRNA is combined with proteins to form the subunits. Once assembled, the subunits are transported out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm where they join to form a functional ribosome when required for protein synthesis.