Ribosomes are important tiny machines in cells. They help make proteins, which are essential for life. Let’s look at how they work in two different types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Prokaryotic Ribosomes

• Size: They are smaller, called 70S.
• Location: They float freely in the cytoplasm, which is the jelly-like part of the cell.
• Function: They quickly read mRNA and turn it into proteins. This is really important because it helps the cell respond fast to changes around it.

Eukaryotic Ribosomes

• Size: These ribosomes are bigger, called 80S.
• Location: They can be found in the cytoplasm and on a structure called the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
• Function: They make more complex proteins. This allows cells to do special jobs, like making neurotransmitters that help nerve cells communicate.

In both types of cells, ribosomes are essential for producing proteins that support life.