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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between rRNA and Ribosomes?

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The key difference between rRNA and ribosomes lies in their composition and function. Here are the main distinctions between the two:

  1. Composition: rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is a nucleic acid made up of ribonucleotides, while ribosomes are organelles composed of both rRNA and proteins.
  2. Function: rRNA plays a role in reading the mRNA sequence's codon order and connecting the amino acids accordingly during protein synthesis. Ribosomes, on the other hand, are responsible for handling the overall protein production process.

In summary, rRNA is a component of ribosomes, and it plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis. Ribosomes, as organelles, are responsible for carrying out protein synthesis in cells, and they consist of rRNA and proteins.

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  • What is the Difference Between rRNA and Ribosomes?
  • Comparative Table: rRNA vs Ribosomes

    • Comparative Table: rRNA vs Ribosomes

    The main difference between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomes lies in their structure and function. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

    Feature rRNA Ribosomes
    Definition rRNA is a type of non-coding RNA that forms part of the protein-synthesizing organelle known as a ribosome. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in all cells, composed of approximately 60% rRNA and 40% ribosomal proteins by mass.
    Location In eukaryotes, rRNA is synthesized in the nucleolus and found in the cytoplasm. Ribosomes are found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, with prokaryotic cells having fewer sets of rRNA genes and ribosomes.
    Structure rRNA has a spherical structure and forms extensive secondary structures. Ribosomes consist of large and small subunits, with the large subunit being 50S and the small subunit being 30S in bacteria.
    Function rRNA serves as a location for protein synthesis, allowing mRNA and tRNA to come together to synthesize proteins. Ribosomes are the sites where mRNA and tRNA interact to synthesize proteins.

    In summary, rRNA is a component of ribosomes that helps form their structure, while ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in all cells.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.