How do ribosomes contribute to protein synthesis?

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, where they translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins.

Ribosomes are small, complex structures found within all living cells. They are the primary sites of biological protein synthesis, a process also known as translation. Ribosomes read the sequence of the messenger RNA (mRNA) and, based on that sequence, they synthesise a chain of amino acids, which is a protein. This process is fundamental to the functioning of cells and the life of the organism.

The process of protein synthesis begins in the cell's nucleus, where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then travels out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where it binds to a ribosome. The ribosome reads the sequence of codons (groups of three nucleotides) on the mRNA molecule. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal.

The ribosome then recruits transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which carry specific amino acids. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that matches a codon on the mRNA. When the anticodon and codon match, the tRNA deposits its amino acid onto the growing protein chain. This process continues until the ribosome encounters a stop codon on the mRNA, signalling the end of the protein synthesis.

In this way, ribosomes play a crucial role in translating the genetic code from the language of nucleic acids into the language of proteins. They are the 'factories' of the cell, producing proteins that are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Without ribosomes, cells would not be able to produce the proteins they need to function and survive.