60S

Definition

The 60S ribosomal subunit is one of the two subunits that make up the eukaryotic ribosome, which is responsible for protein synthesis. It is the larger of the two subunits and contains the majority of the ribosomal RNA and proteins involved in the translation process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 60S subunit contains the large ribosomal RNA (28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNA) and approximately 47 ribosomal proteins.
2. The 60S subunit is responsible for the formation of the peptide bond between amino acids during protein synthesis.
3. The 60S subunit interacts with the 40S subunit to form the complete 80S ribosome, which is the site of translation.
4. The 60S subunit contains the GTPase-associated center, which is involved in the regulation of translation elongation.
5. Defects in the biogenesis or function of the 60S subunit can lead to various human diseases, such as Diamond-Blackfan anemia and ribosomopathies.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of the 60S ribosomal subunit in the process of protein synthesis.
  • The 60S ribosomal subunit is responsible for the formation of the peptide bond between amino acids during the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain. It contains the majority of the ribosomal RNA and proteins involved in this process, including the GTPase-associated center that regulates translation elongation. The 60S subunit interacts with the 40S subunit to form the complete 80S ribosome, which is the site where the actual synthesis of proteins takes place.
• Explain the significance of the 60S subunit's composition and structure in the overall function of the eukaryotic ribosome.
  • The 60S subunit contains the large ribosomal RNA (28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNA) and approximately 47 ribosomal proteins. This unique composition and structure of the 60S subunit allows it to perform crucial functions within the eukaryotic ribosome, such as the formation of the peptide bond, the regulation of translation elongation, and the interaction with the 40S subunit to form the complete 80S ribosome. Defects in the biogenesis or function of the 60S subunit can lead to various human diseases, highlighting the importance of its structural and functional integrity for proper protein synthesis.
• Analyze the relationship between the 60S ribosomal subunit and the overall process of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, and discuss the potential implications of disruptions to this process.
  • The 60S ribosomal subunit is a critical component of the eukaryotic ribosome, which is responsible for the synthesis of proteins. The 60S subunit contains the majority of the ribosomal RNA and proteins involved in the translation process, including the GTPase-associated center that regulates translation elongation. The 60S subunit interacts with the 40S subunit to form the complete 80S ribosome, which is the site where the actual synthesis of proteins takes place. Disruptions to the biogenesis or function of the 60S subunit can lead to various human diseases, such as Diamond-Blackfan anemia and ribosomopathies, highlighting the importance of the 60S subunit's structural and functional integrity for proper protein synthesis. Understanding the role of the 60S subunit in the overall process of protein synthesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies to address these types of disorders.

Related terms

Ribosome:

The cellular organelle responsible for the synthesis of proteins, consisting of the 40S and 60S subunits.

40S Subunit: The smaller of the two eukaryotic ribosomal subunits, which contains the mRNA binding site and the site for initiating translation.

Polypeptide Chain: The linear sequence of amino acids that forms a protein, which is synthesized by the ribosome during translation.