Class 11 · Cell: The Unit of Life

Prokaryotic Ribosomes and Polysomes — NEET Biology

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In prokaryotes, ribosomes are associated with the plasma membrane of the cell. They are about 15 nm by 20 nm in size and are made of two subunits - 50S and 30S units which when present together form 70S prokaryotic ribosomes. Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. Several ribosomes may attach to a single mRNA and form a chain called polyribosomes or polysome. The ribosomes of a polysome translate the mRNA into proteins.

NCERT Biology · Class 11 · Chapter 8 · Paragraph 28
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Why are ribosomes in prokaryotes called 70S even though their subunits are 50S and 30S?

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