Protein synthesis is the process by which cells make proteins. Proteins are essential for many cell functions, such as growth, repair, and reproduction. The process of protein synthesis begins when a ribosome binds to a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA molecule carries the instructions for making a specific protein.
The ribosome then reads the mRNA molecule and uses the information it contains to assemble the correct sequence of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. As the ribosome assembles the amino acids, it forms a polypeptide chain. The polypeptide chain is then released from the ribosome and folded into its final shape.
Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis and, therefore, for life. Without ribosomes, cells would not be able to make proteins and would eventually die.
Here are some additional facts about ribosomes:
* Ribosomes are composed of two subunits, a large subunit and a small subunit.
* The large subunit is responsible for catalysing the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
* The small subunit is responsible for decoding the mRNA molecule and binding the correct amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
* Ribosomes are found in all living cells, from bacteria to plants and animals.
* In prokaryotes (cells that lack a nucleus), ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm.
* In eukaryotes (cells that have a nucleus), ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm and on the endoplasmic reticulum, a membrane-bound organelle.
* Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis and are, therefore, essential for life.