Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in all living cells. In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm, whereas in prokaryotic cells they are located on the plasma membrane. Ribosomes consist of two subunits, each composed of a different RNA molecule and a variety of proteins. The large subunit is responsible for catalyzing peptide bond formation, while the small subunit binds to mRNA and tRNA molecules. Together, these two subunits provide the site where translation-the process by which the genetic code is decoded into proteins-takes place.
Ribosomes are among the largest and most complex structures in cells. Despite their size and complexity, ribosomes are highly efficient machines that can synthesize thousands of proteins per minute. This efficiency is due in part to their modular structure, which allows them to be assembled quickly and easily from their constituent parts. Additionally, ribosomes can be recycled after each round of protein synthesis, further increasing their efficiency.
The discovery of ribosomes was a major breakthrough in our understanding of cell biology and genetics. Prior to their discovery, it was not clear how proteins were synthesized within cells. The identification of ribosomes as the central players in protein synthesis allowed scientists to begin unraveling the complex process by which genes are expressed as proteins. This knowledge has been essential for advances in medicine and biotechnology, as it has allowed us to create drugs that target specific proteins produced by diseased cells