30S ribosomal subunit
30S Ribosomal Subunit
The 30S Ribosomal Subunit is a component of the Prokaryotic ribosome, which is involved in Protein synthesis. It is smaller than the 50S Ribosomal Subunit, the other subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome.
Pronunciation
The term "30S Ribosomal Subunit" is pronounced as "thirty S ribosomal subunit".
Etymology
The term "30S" refers to the Svedberg unit, a measure of sedimentation rate during Ultracentrifugation. The "S" stands for "Svedberg", named after the Swedish chemist Theodor Svedberg who invented the ultracentrifuge. The "30" indicates that the 30S subunit sediments at a rate faster than molecules or particles with lower Svedberg values, but slower than those with higher values.
Structure
The 30S Ribosomal Subunit is composed of 21 Ribosomal proteins and a 16S Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecule. It is responsible for reading the Messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis.
Function
The primary function of the 30S Ribosomal Subunit is to bind mRNA and tRNA (transfer RNA) during the initiation of protein synthesis. It also plays a crucial role in the decoding center, ensuring the correct matching of the tRNA anticodon with the mRNA codon.
Related Terms
- Prokaryotic ribosome
- 50S Ribosomal Subunit
- Protein synthesis
- Svedberg unit
- Ultracentrifugation
- Theodor Svedberg
- Ribosomal proteins
- Ribosomal RNA
- Messenger RNA
- Transfer RNA
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