Q. 17.35 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is the composition of a ribosome?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Ribosome consists of one large subunit and one small subunit. Each subunit composed of one or more ribosomal RNA (r RNA) molecules and proteins.

Step 1: Introduction

Nucleic acids are organic macromolecules that are present all over the cell. They were first discovered in the nuclei of cells. The nucleic acids DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are found in all known forms of life. Cells generate an identical copy of the DNA molecule by replication, which is a natural process. The strands of the parent DNA molecule separate during replication to allow complementary DNA strands to be synthesised.

Step 2: Explanation

One large subunit and one tiny subunit make up a ribosome. Each subunit is made up of one or more ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and protein molecules. Eukaryotes exist in $80s$ ribosomes, while prokaryotes exists in$70 \mathrm{s}$. Ribosomes ($30s$) have one big subunit ($50s$) and one small subunit ($30s$). $30 \mathrm{s}$ ribosomal subunit has 16 s rRNA molecule and $50 \mathrm{s}$ ribosomal subunit has $23s$ rRNA and $5s$ rRNA.