What does ribosome mean?
A ribosome is a small, complex structure inside cells that serves as the site of protein synthesis. It consists of ribosomal RNA and proteins, and it works with messenger RNA to read genetic instructions and link amino acids together in the correct order to form proteins. Ribosomes may float freely in the cytoplasm, attach to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, or occur inside organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. The term is especially common in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medical research, where researchers study how ribosomes build proteins, respond to cellular conditions, or interact with drugs and toxins. “Ribosomal” is the usual adjective, as in “ribosomal protein” or “ribosomal RNA.” Although the word may sound technical, ribosomes are essential to the basic activity of nearly every living cell: without them, genetic information could not be translated into functional proteins.
nounA small cellular structure made of ribosomal RNA and proteins that assembles amino acids into proteins. Ribosomes occur free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as inside mitochondria and chloroplasts.
- A cellular structure composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins that serves as the site of protein synthesis.
"Each ribosome reads messenger RNA and links amino acids together to build a protein."
"The drug prevents newly made proteins from being released by the ribosome."
"Scientists used ribosome profiling to determine which messenger RNAs were being translated in the cells."
The standard plural of ribosome, referring to multiple protein-synthesizing cellular structures.
"Ribosomes move along messenger RNA as they assemble a protein."
Without ribosomes, cells could copy genetic instructions but could not turn them into working proteins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ribosome come from?
The word ribosome was coined in the mid-20th century, in 1958, by British biochemist Richard W. Roberts. Its name combines ribo-, referring to ribonucleic acid, with the suffix -some, ultimately associated with the Greek soma, meaning “body.” The compound reflects the structure's composition and its role as a cellular body or particle involved in protein synthesis.
Related word forms
How ribosome is actually used
This is a technical biological term, used mainly in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine. It is normally a count noun, with the plural form “ribosomes”; the adjective “ribosomal” describes proteins, RNA, or structures associated with ribosomes.