RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Ribosomal protein refers to a group of proteins that play a critical role in the structure and function of ribosomes, the essential molecular machines responsible for protein synthesis in all living cells. Ribosomes are composed of two subunits, known as the large and small subunits, each of which contain a unique combination of ribosomal proteins. These proteins are synthesized within the cell and subsequently assembled with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) to form the fully functional ribosome.
The primary function of ribosomal proteins is to provide structural support and stabilization to the ribosome, allowing it to effectively carry out protein synthesis. They play a crucial role in stabilizing the overall structure of the ribosome and ensuring proper inter-subunit interactions. Additionally, ribosomal proteins are involved in directing the assembly of ribosomal subunits, the binding of rRNA, and the recognition and binding of the mRNA (messenger RNA) during translation.
A noteworthy characteristic of ribosomal proteins is their high evolutionary conservation, meaning they are well-preserved and highly similar across different organisms, from bacteria to humans. This conservation underscores their fundamental importance in cellular processes and highlights their critical role in the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for cellular growth, maintenance, and function. Furthermore, alterations or mutations in ribosomal proteins can lead to various diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders, emphasizing their significance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN
- eibosomal protein
- dibosomal protein
- fibosomal protein
- tibosomal protein
- 5ibosomal protein
- 4ibosomal protein
- rubosomal protein
- rjbosomal protein
- rkbosomal protein
- robosomal protein
- r9bosomal protein
- r8bosomal protein
- rivosomal protein
- rinosomal protein
- rihosomal protein
- rigosomal protein
- ribisomal protein
- ribksomal protein
- riblsomal protein
- ribpsomal protein
Etymology of RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN
The word "ribosomal protein" has a straightforward etymology. The term "ribosomal" comes from the noun "ribosome", which was coined by the Romanian-American cell biologist George E. Palade in 1955. He derived the term by combining the word "ribo-" from ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is a key component of ribosomes, and "-some", which denotes a body or particle. Thus, "ribosome" refers to the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis.The word "protein" has its roots in the Greek word "proteios", meaning "first quality" or "primary". It was introduced into English in the late 19th century to describe the constituents of protoplasm, the living substance of cells. Over time, it became a generic term for a class of biomolecules composed of amino acids that serve various structural, functional, and regulatory roles within cells.
