Ribosomes are cellular structures essential for protein synthesis. They function as the location where messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded into a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately forming a polypeptide chain. This process directly determines the structure and function of proteins within the cell.
The precise assembly of proteins on these structures is critical for nearly all biological processes. Defective protein synthesis can lead to a range of diseases. Historically, the understanding of these structures and their function revolutionized the field of molecular biology, providing insight into the central dogma of molecular biology and paving the way for advancements in genetic engineering and drug development.
