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Prokaryotic Ribosomes vs. Eukaryotic Ribosomes: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller (70S) and simpler than eukaryotic ribosomes, which are larger (80S) and found in more complex cells.
Prokaryotic Ribosomes vs. Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Key Differences

Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller, typically 70S in size, and are found in simpler, single-celled organisms without a nucleus. Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger, usually 80S, and are present in complex cells with a nucleus.
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The 70S prokaryotic ribosome is made up of two subunits: 50S and 30S. The 80S eukaryotic ribosome comprises two different subunits: 60S and 40S.
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Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis, but the process varies slightly due to differences in their RNA and protein content.
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Many antibiotics selectively target prokaryotic ribosomes, disrupting their function without affecting eukaryotic ribosomes. This is due to structural differences between the two types.
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In prokaryotes, ribosomes are distributed freely in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotes, they are found both in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
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Comparison Chart

Size

Smaller (70S)
Larger (80S)
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Subunit Composition

Made up of 50S and 30S subunits
Comprises 60S and 40S subunits
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Function in Protein Synthesis

Similar role, but with slight process variations
Similar role, adapted to more complex cell machinery
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Sensitivity to Antibiotics

Generally more sensitive
Less sensitive
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Cellular Location

Freely in the cytoplasm
In cytoplasm and on rough ER
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Prokaryotic Ribosomes and Eukaryotic Ribosomes Definitions

Prokaryotic Ribosomes

Comprise 50S and 30S subunits.
The 50S and 30S subunits assemble to form prokaryotic ribosomes.
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Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Comprise 60S and 40S subunits.
The 60S and 40S subunits join together to form eukaryotic ribosomes.
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Prokaryotic Ribosomes

More sensitive to antibiotics than eukaryotic ribosomes.
Antibiotics like tetracycline inhibit prokaryotic ribosomes.
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Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Less sensitive to antibiotics than prokaryotic ribosomes.
Most antibiotics do not affect eukaryotic ribosomes.
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Prokaryotic Ribosomes

Essential for protein synthesis in bacteria.
Prokaryotic ribosomes are crucial for bacterial growth and reproduction.
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Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Larger ribosomes (80S) in eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic ribosomes are integral to protein production in human cells.
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Prokaryotic Ribosomes

Found freely floating in the cytoplasm.
In bacteria, prokaryotic ribosomes synthesize proteins in the cytoplasm.
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Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Involved in protein synthesis in complex cells.
Eukaryotic ribosomes are found in both animal and plant cells.
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Prokaryotic Ribosomes

Smaller ribosomes (70S) in prokaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic ribosomes are targets for certain antibiotics.
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Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Located in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Eukaryotic ribosomes on the rough ER synthesize membrane-bound proteins.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What are eukaryotic ribosomes?

They are larger ribosomes found in more complex eukaryotic cells.
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What size are eukaryotic ribosomes?

They are usually 80S in size.
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What makes prokaryotic ribosomes different from eukaryotic ones?

They differ in size, sensitivity to antibiotics, and cellular location.
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Where are eukaryotic ribosomes found?

In the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
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What are the subunits of eukaryotic ribosomes?

They comprise 60S and 40S subunits.
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What are prokaryotic ribosomes?

They are smaller ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells, like bacteria.
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What size are prokaryotic ribosomes?

They are typically 70S in size.
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Are prokaryotic ribosomes simpler than eukaryotic ones?

Yes, they are generally considered simpler.
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Can prokaryotic ribosomes be inhibited by drugs?

Yes, many antibiotics inhibit prokaryotic ribosomes.
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Is the function of prokaryotic ribosomes different from eukaryotic ribosomes?

The basic function of protein synthesis is similar, but the process varies slightly.
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Can antibiotics target eukaryotic ribosomes?

Generally, no. Antibiotics usually target prokaryotic ribosomes.
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Where are prokaryotic ribosomes located in the cell?

They are found freely floating in the cytoplasm.
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Do prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes have different RNA content?

Yes, there are differences in their RNA and protein compositions.
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Are prokaryotic ribosomes involved in protein synthesis?

Yes, they play a key role in protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells.
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Do eukaryotic ribosomes synthesize proteins?

Yes, they are essential for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells.
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Do eukaryotic ribosomes have a more complex structure?

Yes, they are more complex and larger in size.
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Are eukaryotic ribosomes affected by common antibiotics?

Generally, no, they are less sensitive to antibiotics.
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Why are eukaryotic ribosomes not targeted by most antibiotics?

Because of their structural differences from prokaryotic ribosomes.
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Can the differences in ribosomes be used for medical treatments?

Yes, targeting prokaryotic ribosomes is a basis for many antibiotic therapies.
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What are the subunits of prokaryotic ribosomes?

They consist of 50S and 30S subunits.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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