Definition of Ribosome



A ribosome is a cellular organelle found in both prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic cells and is responsible for synthesizing proteins. The ribosomes are composed of specialized proteins as well as nucleic acids. The ribosomes are found floating freely in the cytoplasm of the cell or are attached to the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum which has these bounded ribosomes is termed as the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

 


The ribosomes are composed of two subunits i.e. a larger and a smaller subunit. The ribosomes are provided with the information in the form of mRNA. The ribosomes then link the amino acid residues and export the polypeptide chain into the cytoplasm where it is modified into a functional protein.

 

View More Genetics Definitions