Ribosome


 * || = Function and Structure =

Ribosomes are cell structures that make protein. They are tiny flattened spheres in the cell, around 20 nanometers in diameter. Ribosomes in eukaryotic cells have around 80 different proteins in them, along with some nucleic acids. They also have mRNA and tRNA code in them, transcribed while being made in the nucleolus. Proteins are made using the instructions in RNA. ||
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 * || = Discovery =

The ribosome was first discovered by George Emil Palade, in the mid-1950s. He used an electron microscope, which saw ribosomes as small dense particles. It was proposed that they be called ribosomes by the end of the 1950s, after a group of scientists decided that their original name, ribonucleoprotein particles of the microsome fraction, was too awkward to say. ||
 * || = Cells with Ribosomes =

Ribosomes are found in by eukaryotes and prokaryotes. All types of cells need an organelle to manufacture proteins, because they have many important uses, such as speeding up biological processes as enzymes and supporting other cell functions. In eukaryotes, they can be found floating in the cytoplasm and embedded in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. In prokaryotic cells, ribosomes float freely, without any membrane-bound organelles to be attached to. ||
 * || [[image:epiehonorsbiology/ribosomesandproteinKyrouz.jpg width="362" height="276"]] [[image:epiehonorsbiology/RoughERKyrouz.jpg width="380" height="284"]] ||
 * || = Importance of Ribosomes =

Cells use ribosomes if they need to make protein. Ribosomes are to protein as assembly lines are to cars, because ribosomes produce proteins for the cell, much like how a factory makes products. Most cells in the human body need to use them for a variety of different functions, such as enzymes, or as messenger proteins, which transmit signals between different cells. Proteins can also be used as antibodies, structure and support, or as transport for other molecules, by binding and carrying them throughout the body. ||
 * || = Working with Other Organelles =

Ribosomes work with the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleolus to produce proteins for the cell. First, the nucleolus of a cell creates ribosomes, in order to control protein production. Then, these new ribosomes produce proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum then packages the proteins for use by the cell. || __ Works Cited __

Shaffer, Catherine. “Ribosome Structure.” News-medical.net, 3 Aug. 2017, []

“Ribosomes - Protein Construction Teams.” Biology4kids.com, []

“What are proteins and what do they do?” U.S National Library of Medicine, 19 Dec. 2017, []

“Nucleus and Ribosomes.” Khan Academy, []

“Ribosome.” British Society for Cell Biology, []