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Difference Between 70S and 80S Ribosomes

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Introduction to 70S and 80S Ribosomes

Ribosomes are essential cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They are classified into 70S and 80S ribosomes based on their sedimentation coefficients. 70S ribosomes are found in prokaryotes, while 80S ribosomes are present in eukaryotic cells. These ribosomes differ in size, composition, and function, playing a crucial role in the cellular machinery. Let’s explore their key differences in detail.


Table of Differences Between 70S and 80S Ribosomes

Feature

70S Ribosomes

80S Ribosomes

Found In

Prokaryotic cells (bacteria & archaea) and organelles like mitochondria & chloroplasts.

Eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists).

Size & Sedimentation

Smaller, 70S (Svedberg unit).

Larger, 80S.

Subunit Composition

Made up of 50S (large subunit) + 30S (small subunit).

Made up of 60S (large subunit) + 40S (small subunit).

rRNA Composition

Contains 23S, 5S (large subunit) & 16S (small subunit) rRNA.

Contains 28S, 5.8S, 5S (large subunit) & 18S (small subunit) rRNA.

Protein Content

Fewer proteins compared to 80S.

Higher protein content, making it more complex.

Location

Present in prokaryotic cytoplasm, mitochondria, and chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells.

Found in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum (RER) of eukaryotic cells.

Function

Protein synthesis in prokaryotes and organelles like mitochondria & chloroplasts.

Protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, supporting complex cellular functions.

Response to Antibiotics

Sensitive to antibiotics like streptomycin & tetracycline, which inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.

Insensitive to prokaryotic antibiotics but affected by eukaryotic inhibitors like cycloheximide.

Efficiency

Slower in protein synthesis due to fewer associated proteins.

Faster due to more ribosomal proteins and efficient mRNA processing.



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FAQs on Difference Between 70S and 80S Ribosomes

1. What are the 70S and 80S ribosome subunits?

  • 70S ribosome → 50S (large) + 30S (small) subunits

  • 80S ribosome → 60S (large) + 40S (small) subunits

2. 70S Ribosomes are Found In?

  • Prokaryotic cells (Bacteria and Archaea)

  • Mitochondria and chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells

3. What does 'S' mean in 70S ribosome?

The "S" (Svedberg unit) refers to the sedimentation rate in a centrifuge. It is a measure of size, shape, and density, not an additive property (i.e., 50S + 30S ≠ 70S due to molecular interactions).

4. 80S Ribosomes are Found In?

  • Eukaryotic cells (Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists)

  • Cytoplasm & Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

5. What are the Function of Ribosomes?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, where they translate mRNA into polypeptides. 70S ribosomes function in prokaryotes, whereas 80S ribosomes work in eukaryotes, producing proteins essential for growth, repair, and cellular activities.

6. What Is the Difference Between 70S Ribosomes and 80S Ribosomes?

  • 70S (50S + 30S) are found in prokaryotic cells.

  • 80S (60S + 40S) are found in eukaryotic cells.

  • 70S ribosomes are smaller, whereas 80S ribosomes are larger.

7. What Is the Significance of S in 70S and 80S Ribosomes?

The S (Svedberg unit) refers to how fast ribosomes sediment in a centrifuge. It does not represent the sum of subunits but rather depends on molecular interactions.

8. What is the Svedberg unit in the ribosome?

The Svedberg unit (S) is a measure of the sedimentation rate of a particle in a centrifuge, reflecting its size, shape, and density. In ribosomes, it indicates how fast the ribosomal subunits settle during ultracentrifugation. For example, prokaryotic ribosomes (70S) consist of 50S and 30S subunits, while eukaryotic ribosomes (80S) consist of 60S and 40S subunits.