Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Plant & Animal Cells
A folded membrane workshop studded with ribosomes — the first address for proteins destined for secretion or the cell's membranes.
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Rp 4.600.000
Rp 1.500.000
All Cells (80S eukaryotic; 70S prokaryotic)
Free Ribosome
Translation, untethered.
A floating particle of RNA and protein that reads genetic messages and assembles the cell's proteins.
Rp 1.900.000
A note
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Structure
A non-membrane-bound complex of rRNA and proteins with a large and a small subunit. Eukaryotic cytosolic ribosomes are 80S; prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S. Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own smaller, prokaryote-like ribosomes. Eukaryotic cytosolic ribosomes may be free in the cytosol or bound to the cytosolic surface of the rough ER.
Function
Site of translation: the ribosome reads codons on mRNA, and its rRNA catalyses peptide-bond formation between amino acids to build a polypeptide in the specified sequence.
Where Found
Most living cells, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Absent in some specialised mature cells, such as mammalian red blood cells. Ribosomes also occur within mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Why It Matters
Synthesise proteins needed for catalysis, membrane transport, cellular structure, signalling, growth and repair.
Structure → Function
The small subunit positions mRNA and tRNAs, the large subunit catalyses peptide bond formation between amino acids.
Pairings
Rp 3.900.000
Golgi Apparatus
Plant & Animal Cells
A curved stack of membranes where proteins are refined, sorted, addressed and dispatched.
Vesicle
Plant & Animal Cells
A small sealed courier that shuttles cargo between compartments and to the cell surface.