ribosome

[ rahy-buh-sohm ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a tiny, somewhat mitten-shaped organelle occurring in great numbers in the cell cytoplasm either freely, in small clusters, or attached to the outer surfaces of endoplasmic reticula, and functioning as the site of protein manufacture.

ribosome

/ ˈraɪbəˌsəʊm /

noun

1. any of numerous minute particles in the cytoplasm of cells, either free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, that contain RNA and protein and are the site of protein synthesis

ribosome

/ rī′bə-sōm′ /

1. A sphere-shaped structure within the cytoplasm of a cell that is composed of RNA and protein and is the site of protein synthesis. Ribosomes are free in the cytoplasm and often attached to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum . Ribosomes exist in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Plastids and mitochondria in eukaryotic cells have smaller ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.
2. See more at cell

ribosome

1. A small, ball-like structure in the cell , made of proteins and RNA molecules , that serves as a platform on which the cell's proteins are made.

Derived Forms

• ˌriboˈsomal, adjective

Other Words From

• ribo·somal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ribosome¹

First recorded in 1955–60; ribo(se) + -some ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of ribosome¹

C20: from ribo ( nucleic acid ) + -some ³

Example Sentences

Because ribosomes are so important to cells, changes in RNA sequences could prove a disaster.

From Science News For Students

These mRNAs would pass these instructions onto the ribosomes, the cellular protein and peptide-making machines, which would assemble them accordingly.

From Nautilus

Once inside the cells, the “protein-making factories,” or ribosomes, use these instructions to build copies of the spike protein.

From Popular-Science

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania were able to create mRNA that could get past cells’ defenses, but still be recognized by the ribosome.

From Singularity Hub 

Then, the RNA brings these instructions to the ribosome, which “reads” them.

From Science News For Students