Which statement about ribosomes is correct?

Ribosomes: The Protein Factories of the Cell

Ribosomes are essential organelles found in all types of cells that are responsible for protein synthesis. They serve as the “protein factories” of the cell, translating the genetic information stored in messenger RNA (mRNA) into functional proteins.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Ribosomes

When comparing ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, it is important to note that there is a difference in size between the two. Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, have ribosomes that are known as 70S ribosomes, while eukaryotic cells, including plant and animal cells, have larger 80S ribosomes.

The “S” in these measurements stands for Svedberg units, which are a measure of the rate of sedimentation of particles in centrifugation. This measurement indirectly reflects the size and weight of the ribosomal subunits, with higher S values indicating larger and heavier structures.

In conclusion, the correct statement about ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes. This size difference is a notable distinction between the two types of cells and has implications for how protein synthesis is carried out in each.