What percentage of ribosome mass is protein?

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

What percentage of ribosome mass is protein?

Explanation:
Ribosomes are RNA-rich machines. In bacteria, about two-thirds of the ribosome’s mass comes from ribosomal RNA, while the remaining roughly one-third is protein. That means the protein portion is around 35% of the total mass. The heavy, long rRNA forms the catalytic and structural core, while proteins mainly stabilize the structure and assist assembly. So 35% aligns with the typical mass distribution of a ribosome.

Ribosomes are RNA-rich machines. In bacteria, about two-thirds of the ribosome’s mass comes from ribosomal RNA, while the remaining roughly one-third is protein. That means the protein portion is around 35% of the total mass. The heavy, long rRNA forms the catalytic and structural core, while proteins mainly stabilize the structure and assist assembly. So 35% aligns with the typical mass distribution of a ribosome.

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