riboszómát

Riboszóma is a cellular component found in all living cells. It is responsible for protein synthesis, a vital process for all life. Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They are often described as molecular machines that read the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) and use this information to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins.

There are two main types of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells: free ribosomes, which are found in the cytoplasm, and bound ribosomes, which are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Free ribosomes synthesize proteins that function within the cell's cytoplasm. Bound ribosomes, on the other hand, produce proteins that are destined for secretion from the cell, insertion into cell membranes, or delivery to organelles such as lysosomes. Prokaryotic cells have a single type of ribosome located in the cytoplasm.

The structure of a ribosome consists of two subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit. These subunits come together on an mRNA molecule to initiate protein synthesis. The small subunit binds to the mRNA, while the large subunit catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. After protein synthesis is complete, the subunits dissociate. The crucial role of ribosomes in translating genetic information into functional proteins makes them indispensable for cellular life.