Ribosome, Lysosome and Vacuoles

Introduction

In this article, you will find about  the ribosomes, Lysosomes, and Vacuoles: Cell organelles. We have introduced ribosomes, lysosomes, vacuoles, and their structure and function.

Ribosome

A ribosome is a molecular machine that is found in living cells. The function of these living cells is to manufacture proteins from amino acids. Ribosomes are required by the living cell to produce proteins. This whole process is known as transcription  and translation or protein synthesis. Ribosomes are essential parts of any eukaryotic cell, generally found either attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or floating in the cytoplasm. They are esoteric cell organelles and can be found in the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, which include three individual rRNA molecules.

Structure of Ribosome

Ribosomes are made up of protein and RNA, which is why it is also called ribonucleoprotein. It has two subunits: a larger subunit where the amino acids are added and a smaller subunit where the mRNA is decoded and bound.

The ribosome structure comprises the following:

• The ribosome is found in the cytoplasm and is dispersed in the cytoplasm
• Eukaryotes contain 80S ribosomes, while prokaryotes contain 70S ribosomes
• A large amount of ribosomes are composed of RNA, while the small amount  is of proteins
• The structure of bound and free ribosomes is similar

Function of Ribosomes

Ribosomes are the sites in a cell where protein synthesis is carried out.

They help in the synthesis of proteins in the body.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes, also called suicidal bags, are bound by membrane organelles whose main task is to break down the different molecules, such as peptides, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates; by engulfing them with hydrolytic enzymes. They are recognized as the debris of the cell’s disposal system because they absorb the biomolecules that exist in the cytoplasm. They disregard the origin of the substance, either that comes from the outside via endocytosis or autophagy, respectively, or belonging to the cell.

Structure of Lysosome

Lysosomes are made up of the membrane and the lumenal proteins. The area within the membrane is known as lumen and provides an acidic environment of pH level between 4.5-5.0. The size of lysosomes varies in a range between 0.1 to 0.6 μm. They are composed of over 50 different enzymes.

Functions of Lysosomes

The main function of the lysosomes is the removal and digestion of waste. Through the process called endocytosis, the foreign particles or debris are pulled into the cell. This process happens when the membrane falls on itself, creates a vacuole around the external materials, and then brings them into the cell.

The wastes are discarded, and the other substances are digested by a process called autophagy or autophagocytosis. The autophagocytosis process involves the degradation or disassembly of the cellular components via a regulated and natural mechanism.

Vacuoles

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that are present in larger quantities in plant cells than animal cells. They are present in the cytoplasm and can store waste materials and save the cell from being contaminated. They can be more than one in number and utilise more than eighty percent of the cell volume. Vacuoles primary function is to store minerals, proteins, salts, and pigmentations. It is also filled with protons from the cytosol, which help maintain an acidic environment within the cell.

Structure of Vacuoles

Tonoplast named membrane surrounds the vacuole. Cell sap is the solution that fills up a vacuole and is different from the tonoplast. The membranes of vacuoles consist of phospholipids which are protein-embedded that assist in transporting molecules across the membrane.

Functions of Vacuoles

The main function of vacuoles is the storage of minerals and other components. But it has other functions also like maintaining the turgor pressure, where the vacuoles are water-filled, which exerts a force on the wall of the cell. This function gives shape to the cell and helps the cell face extreme conditions. Another function is exocytosis and endocytosis, where the substances get inside through the vacuole via endocytosis, and are secreted via exocytosis.

Difference between Lysosome and ribosome

Conclusion

The main function of vacuoles is the storage of minerals and other components. A ribosome is a molecular machine that produces protein from amino acids, while both lysosomes and vacuoles are membrane-bound cell organelles that are present in plant and animal cells.