Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ribosome
Noun
/ˈraɪbəˌsoʊm/
Definition
A ribosome is a complex molecular machine found within all living cells that serves as the site of protein synthesis.
Examples
- Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
- The ribosome reads the genetic code carried by the mRNA to build proteins.
- In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes are larger than those found in prokaryotes.
Meaning
Ribosomes facilitate the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into protein by connecting amino acids together in a specific sequence.
Synonyms
- Protein factory
- Translation apparatus
