4.8
Ribosomes
Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells tha…
The subunits of eukaryotic ribosomes are protein-synthesizing structures formed inside the nucleolus.
The eukaryotic ribosome is called an 80S ribosome. It is made up of two subunits: a large 60S subunit and a small 40S subunit.
The 60S subunit consists of 28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNAs and about 49 proteins.
The 40S subunit consists of an 18S rRNA and about 33 proteins.
Both subunits are exported from the nucleus through the nuclear pores. They join on an mRNA to make proteins—either free in the cytosol or attached to the outer nuclear envelope or the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
The mRNA binding site is located in the small subunit. The three tRNA binding sites, E, P, and A, are formed at the interface of the two subunits.
During translation, the initiator tRNA binds directly to the P, or peptidyl, site. During the elongation stage, new tRNAs enter the A or aminoacyl site, and empty tRNAs leave from the E or exit site.
The rRNA in the large subunit also catalyzes peptide bond formation between amino acids, allowing the growing polypeptide chain to form.
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Q1: What are the two subunits of eukaryotic ribosomes and what do they contain?
Eukaryotic ribosomes, called 80S ribosomes, consist of a large 60S subunit and a small 40S subunit. The 60S subunit contains 28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNAs plus approximately 49 proteins. The 40S subunit contains 18S rRNA and approximately 33 proteins. Both subunits are assembled in the nucleolus and exported through nuclear pores.
Q2: Where are ribosomal subunits assembled and how do they reach the cytoplasm?
Ribosomal subunits are assembled in the nucleolus, a specialized region within the nucleus where rRNA is transcribed and combined with imported proteins. After assembly, both subunits are exported from the nucleus through nuclear pores in the nuclear envelope, allowing them to reach the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.
Q3: What is the difference between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes?
Free ribosomes synthesize proteins in the cytosol for use within the cell. Bound ribosomes attach to the outer nuclear envelope or rough endoplasmic reticulum and synthesize proteins destined for insertion into membranes, packaging into organelles, or secretion from the cell. Both types perform protein synthesis but differ in location and protein destination.
Q4: How do the three tRNA binding sites function during protein synthesis?
The three tRNA binding sites—A (aminoacyl), P (peptidyl), and E (exit)—are located at the interface between ribosomal subunits. During translation, the initiator tRNA binds to the P site first. New tRNAs enter at the A site, move to the P site during elongation, and exit at the E site. This sequential movement ensures accurate codon-to-amino acid translation.
Q5: What role does rRNA play in peptide bond formation?
The rRNA in the large ribosomal subunit catalyzes peptide bond formation between adjacent amino acids. This catalytic activity allows the growing polypeptide chain to form as tRNAs deliver successive amino acids. The rRNA essentially acts as an enzyme, facilitating the chemical reaction that links amino acids together during protein synthesis.
Q6: How does mRNA binding initiate ribosome assembly and protein synthesis?
When mRNA binds to the mRNA binding site on the small ribosomal subunit, it recruits the large subunit to form a functional ribosome. The small subunit recognizes the start codon, and the large subunit joins to complete the ribosome structure. This assembly brings the three tRNA binding sites into alignment, enabling translation to begin.
Q7: What happens to the polypeptide chain as it is synthesized on the ribosome?
As amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, the growing polypeptide chain threads through an exit tunnel in the large ribosomal subunit. This tunnel protects the nascent protein during synthesis. When translation is complete and the stop codon is reached, the ribosomal subunits dissociate, releasing the finished polypeptide chain.