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Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
Chapter 9, Problem 12

The diagram of a eukaryotic ribosome shown below contains several errors.

Examine the diagram carefully, and identify each error. <>

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1
Identify the components of a eukaryotic ribosome, which typically includes the large and small subunits.
Check the labeling of the ribosomal subunits. In eukaryotes, the large subunit is 60S and the small subunit is 40S, combining to form the 80S ribosome.
Look for any mislabeling of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) components. The large subunit contains 28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNA, while the small subunit contains 18S rRNA.
Verify the placement of the mRNA binding site, which should be on the small subunit.
Ensure that the A (aminoacyl), P (peptidyl), and E (exit) sites are correctly labeled and positioned on the ribosome.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Eukaryotic Ribosome Structure

Eukaryotic ribosomes are complex molecular machines composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They consist of two subunits: the large subunit (60S) and the small subunit (40S), which come together during protein synthesis. Understanding the structure is crucial for identifying errors in diagrams, as each component plays a specific role in translation.
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Ribosome Structure

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Function

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key component of ribosomes, providing structural support and catalyzing peptide bond formation during protein synthesis. In eukaryotes, rRNA is transcribed from ribosomal DNA and processed into mature rRNA molecules. Recognizing the types and functions of rRNA is essential for analyzing ribosomal diagrams and spotting inaccuracies.
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Translation Process

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a template. This involves the decoding of mRNA into a polypeptide chain, facilitated by transfer RNA (tRNA) that brings amino acids to the ribosome. Understanding the translation process helps in identifying errors related to the functional aspects of ribosomes in diagrams.
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mRNA Processing