Ribosome

Definition

Ribosomes are small structures within cells that help build proteins, which are essential for body functions and muscle growth.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found within all living cells, composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins. They assemble proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains. This process, known as translation, is a key part of protein synthesis and is crucial for cellular function and growth.

Benefits

• Facilitate protein synthesis, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Support cellular functions by ensuring proteins are correctly assembled.
• Play a critical role in biological processes like metabolism and cell signaling.

Examples

• While ribosomes themselves are not a dietary component, high-protein foods like chicken, fish, beans, and tofu support the body's protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes.

Additional Information

• Importance: Ribosomes are essential for life as they coordinate the synthesis of proteins, which are vital for cellular structure and function, metabolic processes, and the growth and repair of tissues, including muscles.

Related Terms

• Protein Synthesis

References

• The Structure and Function of Ribosomes
• Ribosome: Definition, Function & Structure