Prokaryotic ribosome

The **prokaryotic ribosome** is a complex macromolecular machine found in all bacteria and archaea, responsible for translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins essential for cell function and survival. It consists of two subunits—the small 30S subunit (with 16S rRNA and about 21 proteins) and the large 50S subunit (with 23S and 5S rRNA and about 31 proteins)—which together form the functional 70S ribosome. The ribosome catalyzes the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains using the genetic instructions encoded in mRNA, a process highly conserved across all domains of life. Owing to key structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes, the prokaryotic ribosome is a validated and highly effective target for many classes of antibiotics, which bind to specific sites to inhibit different stages of translation. Structural and biochemical studies of the 70S ribosome have been fundamental in understanding mechanisms of protein synthesis, antibiotic action, and resistance development.

Other names

70S ribosomeBacterial ribosomeProkaryote ribosome

Inhibition of mRNA decoding or ribosomal translocation; Disruption of peptide bond formation; Binding to ribosomal subunits to block tRNA or mRNA positioning; Interference with ribosomal exit tunnel