How Do You Spell POLYSOME?

Pronunciation: [pˈɒlɪsˌʌm] (IPA)

Polysome is a term used in biology to describe a complex of multiple ribosomes simultaneously translating a single mRNA strand. The spelling of polysome can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈpɑlɪsoʊm/. The emphasis of the word is on the first syllable, "POLY." The "y" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, and the "o" is pronounced as a long "o" sound. The "s" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound, and the "e" at the end is pronounced as a long "e" sound.

POLYSOME Meaning and Definition

1. A polysome, also known as a polyribosome, is a complex structure found in cells involved in protein synthesis. It consists of multiple ribosomes simultaneously translating a single mRNA molecule. The term "poly" in polysome refers to the presence of multiple ribosomes, while "some" in polysome stands for "body" or "structure."

   In a polysome, ribosomes attach themselves to the mRNA strand to initiate translation, which is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA instructions. Each ribosome in a polysome works independently to read the mRNA strand and assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains. Multiple ribosomes can attach to the mRNA strand at different locations, forming a cluster.

   Polysomes primarily form in the cytoplasm of cells, where they can be visualized under an electron microscope as a series of ribosomes strung together. The formation of polysomes allows for efficient and rapid protein production. By having multiple ribosomes simultaneously translating the same mRNA molecule, cells can synthesize numerous copies of the same protein.

   Polysomes play a vital role in regulating gene expression and the efficiency of protein synthesis. They ensure that the ribosomes do not dissociate from the mRNA molecule before protein synthesis is complete. Polysomes are particularly important in cells with high protein-production demands, such as those undergoing active growth or responding to external stimuli.

Common Misspellings for POLYSOME

• Polysoie

Etymology of POLYSOME

The word "polysome" is derived from two main components: "poly-" and "-some".

The prefix "poly-" comes from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "much". It often indicates the presence of many or multiple elements of something.

The term "-some" has its origins in the Greek suffix "-soma", which means "body" or "soma". In biology, "-some" is commonly used to refer to a cell structure or component.

Therefore, the combination of "poly-" and "-some" in the word "polysome" indicates a molecular complex composed of multiple ribosomes that are simultaneously translating a single mRNA (messenger RNA) molecule during protein synthesis.

Plural form of POLYSOME is POLYSOMES