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🦠microbiology review

key term - Eukaryotic Ribosome

Citation:

Definition

The eukaryotic ribosome is a complex molecular machine responsible for the synthesis of proteins within the cells of eukaryotic organisms, such as plants, animals, and fungi. It is the site where the genetic code is translated into functional proteins that carry out essential cellular processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Eukaryotic ribosomes are significantly larger and more complex than their prokaryotic counterparts, with a sedimentation coefficient of 80S compared to 70S in prokaryotes.
  2. The large 60S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome contains 5S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA molecules, as well as approximately 47 different ribosomal proteins.
  3. The small 40S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome contains the 18S rRNA molecule and approximately 33 different ribosomal proteins.
  4. Eukaryotic ribosomes are responsible for the translation of mRNA into polypeptide chains, which are then further processed and folded into functional proteins.
  5. The eukaryotic ribosome utilizes a variety of accessory factors, such as initiation factors, elongation factors, and termination factors, to precisely regulate the process of protein synthesis.

Review Questions

  • Describe the structure and composition of the eukaryotic ribosome.
    • The eukaryotic ribosome is a large, complex molecular structure composed of two distinct subunits: the 60S large subunit and the 40S small subunit. The large subunit contains three different ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules (5S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA) and approximately 47 different ribosomal proteins. The small subunit contains the 18S rRNA molecule and approximately 33 ribosomal proteins. When the two subunits come together, they form the complete 80S eukaryotic ribosome, which is responsible for the translation of mRNA into polypeptide chains during protein synthesis.
  • Explain the role of the eukaryotic ribosome in the process of protein synthesis.
    • The eukaryotic ribosome is the central site of protein synthesis within eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for translating the genetic information encoded in mRNA into functional polypeptide chains. The ribosome accomplishes this by binding to the mRNA molecule, aligning it with the appropriate transfer RNAs (tRNAs) carrying amino acids, and then catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids to build the polypeptide chain. This process is facilitated by a variety of accessory factors, such as initiation factors, elongation factors, and termination factors, which help to regulate and coordinate the different steps of protein synthesis.
  • Discuss the significance of the eukaryotic ribosome in the overall context of cellular function and metabolism.
    • The eukaryotic ribosome is a crucial component of the cellular machinery, as it is responsible for the synthesis of all proteins within eukaryotic cells. These proteins play essential roles in a wide range of cellular processes, including metabolism, signaling, structural support, and the regulation of gene expression. The efficient and accurate translation of mRNA into functional proteins by the eukaryotic ribosome is therefore fundamental to the overall health and homeostasis of the cell. Disruptions to the structure or function of the eukaryotic ribosome can have far-reaching consequences, leading to various diseases and disorders. Understanding the role of the eukaryotic ribosome in cellular function and metabolism is thus crucial for advancing our knowledge of eukaryotic biology and developing targeted therapies for ribosome-related diseases.

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