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2.1 & 2.2 Cell Structure, Subcellular Components, and Function

Part of Cell structure and Function in AP® Biology. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, forming a complex that is crucial for protein synthesis. They translate the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into specific sequences of amino acids, producing proteins. Ribosomes can either be free-floating in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum. The presence of ribosomes in all forms of life, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, reflects the shared evolutionary ancestry of all known organisms, highlighting the fundamental role of protein synthesis in cellular function.

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