80s

Definition

The term '80s refers to the type of ribosome found in eukaryotic cells, specifically designated as 80S, where 'S' stands for Svedberg units that measure the rate of sedimentation during centrifugation. This ribosome is larger and more complex than its prokaryotic counterpart, the 70S ribosome, which is found in prokaryotes. The distinction between 80S and 70S ribosomes highlights key differences in cellular structures and functions, especially concerning protein synthesis and the overall cellular machinery present in eukaryotic versus prokaryotic organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 80S ribosome is composed of two subunits: a 60S large subunit and a 40S small subunit, each made up of rRNA and proteins.
2. Eukaryotic ribosomes are typically found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, influencing the site of protein synthesis.
3. The size difference between 70S and 80S ribosomes is significant because it affects the types of antibiotics that can inhibit bacterial protein synthesis without harming eukaryotic cells.
4. The presence of different rRNA molecules in eukaryotic ribosomes contributes to their larger size and complexity compared to prokaryotic ribosomes.
5. Understanding the structure and function of 80S ribosomes is crucial for studying eukaryotic gene expression and translation processes.

Review Questions

• How do the structural differences between 80S and 70S ribosomes influence their function in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
  • The structural differences between 80S and 70S ribosomes stem from their size and composition. The 80S ribosome, found in eukaryotic cells, has a larger 60S subunit and a smaller 40S subunit, which allows for more complex interactions with mRNA and tRNA during protein synthesis. In contrast, the smaller 70S ribosome in prokaryotes has a simpler structure that can affect how antibiotics target bacterial protein synthesis without affecting eukaryotic cells.
• Discuss the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the structure and function of the 80S ribosome compared to the 70S ribosome.
  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structure of both the 80S and 70S ribosomes. In the 80S ribosome, specific rRNA molecules contribute to its larger size and complexity, facilitating various interactions during translation. In contrast, the rRNA in the 70S ribosome is simpler, aligning with its smaller size. This difference not only impacts protein synthesis efficiency but also influences how certain antibiotics can selectively inhibit bacterial growth while sparing eukaryotic cells.
• Evaluate how the understanding of 80S ribosomes can contribute to advancements in medicine, particularly in antibiotic development.
  • Understanding the structure and function of 80S ribosomes is essential for advancing medical science, especially in developing targeted antibiotics. By knowing how these ribosomes operate differently than 70S ribosomes found in bacteria, researchers can design drugs that specifically inhibit bacterial translation without affecting human cells. This specificity helps reduce side effects associated with antibiotic treatments and could lead to more effective therapies against bacterial infections while preserving human cellular function.

Related terms

70S Ribosome: The ribosome type found in prokaryotic cells, consisting of a smaller 30S subunit and a larger 50S subunit, crucial for protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): A type of RNA that makes up the major part of ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis by providing structural support and catalyzing peptide bond formation.

Eukaryotic Cells: Cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells, which lack such structures.