Question

What are the components of a ribosome?

Short answer

The components of a ribosome consist of two main parts: the small ribosomal subunits, which read the RNA, and the large ribosomal subunits, which join amino acids to form a polypeptide chain. Both subunits are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules and ribosomal proteins. It's essential to note that these structures vary slightly between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Major Components

The ribosome is a complex molecular machine, found within all living cells, that serves as the site of biological protein synthesis (translation). They consist of two major components: the small ribosomal subunits, which read the RNA, and the large ribosomal subunits, which join amino acids to form a polypeptide chain. Each subunit comprises one or more ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules and a variety of ribosomal proteins. It is important to note that the structure varies slightly between prokaryotes and eukaryotes though the general functionality remains the same.

Detail the Small Subunit

The small subunit of the ribosome is responsible for reading the RNA. In eukaryotes, it is known as the 40S subunit (or the 30S in prokaryotes) and contains a molecule of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and approximately 33 proteins.

Detail the Large Subunit

The large subunit is responsible for the formation of the polypeptide chain. It is known as the 60S subunit in eukaryotes (50S in prokaryotes) and contains three molecules of rRNA and about 49 ribosomal proteins.