Explain the ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells.
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Prokaryotic ribosomes characteristics:
- Type: 70S ribosomes (Svedberg units)
- Large subunit: 50S
- Small subunit: 30S
- Location:
- Free in cytoplasm
- Attached to plasma membrane (in some species)
- Form polyribosomes (polysomes) when multiple ribosomes attach to single mRNA
- Composition: rRNA (ribosomal RNA) + ribosomal proteins
- Function: Protein biosynthesis (translation)
Clinical significance: Prokaryotic ribosomes are targets for antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, tetracycline) that specifically inhibit bacterial protein synthesis without affecting eukaryotic 80S ribosomes.
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