Ribosome

Definition

Ribosomes are molecular machines within the cell that synthesize proteins by translating the genetic code from mRNA. They can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming rough ER.

Related terms

mRNA:

Messenger RNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, serving as a template for protein synthesis.

Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins, linked together in a specific sequence during protein synthesis by ribosomes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum:

A network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a cell; rough ER is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis and modification